The bill amends Section 124.002(a) of the Government Code to clarify the eligibility criteria for service members and veterans to participate in a veterans treatment court program. It establishes that a defendant is eligible to participate unless there is good cause shown by an attorney representing the state to deny their participation. The bill removes the previous requirement for the attorney's consent for a defendant's participation, streamlining the process for veterans and service members who meet specific criteria related to mental health issues or whose participation is likely to ensure public safety through rehabilitation.

The eligibility criteria for participation in the veterans treatment court program include veterans or current members of the United States armed forces who suffer from a brain injury, mental illness, or mental disorder related to their military service, or who have experienced military sexual trauma. Additionally, the court must consider the defendant's personal and social background and criminal history to determine if their participation would achieve rehabilitation objectives. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 124.002 (Government Code 124)