This bill amends existing Florida statutes related to veterans treatment court programs, specifically revising the admissions process and eligibility criteria. It allows the court, in consultation with a multidisciplinary team, to determine a defendant's eligibility for these programs, rather than requiring an application to be submitted to the state attorney. The bill also clarifies that a defendant may be admitted at any stage of a criminal proceeding if they meet the specified eligibility requirements, which include having a service-related mental health condition or other related issues, and that their participation is in the interest of justice.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for sentencing courts to divert defendants to veterans treatment court programs for nonviolent felonies, provided the defendant is a servicemember or veteran and meets the program's qualifications. It mandates that satisfactory completion of the program be a condition of probation or community control. The bill also outlines the process for handling violations of probation or community control for participants in the veterans treatment court program, ensuring that such violations are addressed by the presiding judge of the program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.