Senate Bill 716 proposes an amendment to Wisconsin's sentencing laws to include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a mitigating factor for military veterans during sentencing. The bill specifically allows courts to consider a diagnosis of PTSD resulting from military service when determining the appropriate sentence for a veteran convicted of a crime. This addition aims to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by veterans and the impact of their service on their mental health.

The bill amends existing law by modifying the language in section 973.017 (2) (b) to include "mitigating and" factors and creates a new subsection, 973.017 (8m), which defines a veteran and outlines the conditions under which PTSD can be considered as a mitigating factor. This change reflects a broader understanding of the circumstances that may influence a veteran's behavior and the need for a more compassionate approach in the judicial process. The provisions of this act will apply to offenses committed on or after its effective date.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 973.017(2)(b), 973.017