Assembly Bill 743 proposes an amendment to Wisconsin's sentencing laws by introducing a new mitigating factor for certain criminal offenders. Specifically, the bill allows courts to consider a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a mitigating factor during sentencing for military veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD resulting from their military service. This addition aims to acknowledge the unique circumstances 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 in sentencing. The changes emphasize the importance of recognizing mental health issues stemming from military service in the judicial process, thereby potentially influencing sentencing outcomes for affected individuals.

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