Courts for PTSD-affected veterans passes Florida Senate

Courts for PTSD-affected veterans passes Senate
posted by khaughney on April, 6 2011 10:31 AM

A measure to create a statewide veteran’s court system passed the Florida Senate Wednesday morning by a 37-0 vote.

The bill, SB 138, directs the state courts to create a system where veterans with post traumatic stress disorder are identified through a preliminary screening process and then shuffled to a specific docket that places the offender in a treatment program, instead of in jail.

“They are different and this would allow them to have a healing process before going to criminal court,” said Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, the sponsor of the bill.

The first veterans’ court was established in Buffalo, NY in January 2008, and according to the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, there are now 41 similar programs nationwide. In Palm Beach and Okaloosa counties, judges have already begun veterans programs specific to that area.

The House companion measure, HB 17, has three more committee stops before it goes before the entire chamber for a final vote.
Courts for PTSD-affected veterans passes Senate