The bill amends existing Florida statutes to revise the admissions process for veterans treatment court programs. It allows the court, in consultation with a multidisciplinary team, to determine a defendant's eligibility for these programs, rather than requiring approval from the state attorney. The eligibility criteria include having a service-related mental health condition, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder, or having experienced military sexual trauma. The bill also outlines factors that the court must consider when determining if participation in the program is in the interest of justice and beneficial to both the defendant and the community.

Additionally, the bill authorizes sentencing courts to divert defendants to veterans treatment court programs for nonviolent felonies if the defendant is a servicemember or veteran and meets the program's qualifications. It establishes that satisfactory completion of the program is a condition of probation or community control. The bill also stipulates that any violations of probation or community control by participants in the veterans treatment court program will be heard by the presiding judge of that program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
H 845 Filed: 265.003, 320.08058