The bill amends Florida law to simplify the process for veterans seeking to enter treatment court programs by eliminating the requirement for defendants to submit an application to the state attorney for eligibility review. Instead, veterans who meet specific criteria related to service-related mental health conditions or trauma can be admitted to these programs at any stage of a criminal proceeding. The bill also establishes that successful completion of the program will be a condition of probation or community control and redefines "nonviolent felony" to include certain third-degree felonies. Additionally, it introduces postadjudicatory veterans treatment court programs for veterans or servicemembers charged with nonviolent felonies, ensuring they are informed by counsel about the program and agree to participate.

Moreover, the bill revises section 948.06 of the Florida Statutes concerning the revocation of probation or community control, stating that upon revocation, the court may impose any original sentence but cannot grant credit for time served towards a new term of probation or community control. It also clarifies that a subsequent term cannot exceed the maximum penalty under section 775.082 when combined with prior terms. The bill includes provisions for youthful offenders, limiting their commitment for substantive violations to the maximum sentence for their offense, and emphasizes the development of community-based programs and pretrial intervention options for offenders, particularly those with substance abuse issues. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
S 1724 Filed: 948.06, 948.08, 43.51, 910.035