This bill amends Florida law to improve access to veterans treatment court programs by removing the requirement for defendants to apply to the state attorney for participation and eliminating the state attorney's role in determining eligibility. Defendants who meet specific criteria related to service-related mental health conditions or trauma can now be admitted to these programs at any stage of a criminal proceeding. The bill also allows for the placement of defendants into postadjudicatory veterans treatment court programs for nonviolent felonies, with successful completion of the program being a condition of probation or community control. It defines "nonviolent felony" and outlines the necessary steps for defendants to be advised by counsel and agree to enter the program, while also permitting certain offenders charged with aggravated assault or aggravated battery to participate under specific circumstances.

Additionally, the bill clarifies procedures related to probation and community control, stating that if probation or community control is revoked, the court can impose any original sentence but cannot provide credit for time served towards a subsequent term. It emphasizes the importance of community-based treatment programs and pretrial intervention as part of rehabilitation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and includes provisions for diagnosing offenders prior to sentencing to recommend suitable candidates for community-based treatment.

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