The bill amends Florida law to simplify the process for veterans to access 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. Additionally, the bill clarifies that successful completion of the program will be a condition of probation or community control for participants. It also introduces provisions for postadjudicatory veterans treatment court programs, allowing courts to place defendants charged with nonviolent felonies into these programs under certain conditions, while ensuring defendants are informed and agree to participate.

Moreover, the bill revises sections of Florida Statutes concerning probation and community control, particularly section 948.06, stating that if probation or community control is revoked, the court may impose any original sentence but cannot grant credit for time served towards a new term. It also ensures that the total time served on probation or community control does not exceed the maximum penalty allowed. The bill includes provisions for youthful offenders, limiting their commitment for substantive violations to the maximum sentence for their offense, and emphasizes early intervention through pretrial intervention programs and community-based facilities. The act is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025.

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