This bill amends existing Florida statutes to revise the admissions process for veterans treatment court programs and to authorize sentencing courts to divert eligible defendants to these programs. Specifically, it allows the court, in consultation with a multidisciplinary team, to determine a defendant's eligibility for participation in veterans treatment court programs at any stage of a criminal proceeding. The bill also outlines the criteria for eligibility, which includes having a service-related mental health condition or other related issues, and emphasizes that the defendant's participation must be in the interest of justice and beneficial to both the defendant and the community.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that permits sentencing courts to place defendants into postadjudicatory veterans treatment court programs for nonviolent felonies, provided the defendant is a servicemember or veteran and meets the eligibility criteria. The bill requires that satisfactory completion of the program be a condition of probation or community control, and it stipulates that any violations of probation or community control while participating in the program will be handled by the presiding judge of the veterans treatment court. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 845 Filed: 265.003, 320.08058