On October 12, the Minnesota Senate unanimously approved The Veterans Restorative Justice Act, which aims to divert at-risk veterans toward probation and social service programs instead of jail time when they commit certain less-severe crimes. The Senate approved the same bill in both the August and September special sessions, but it did not pass the House at either time. 

“Veterans issues continue to be a high priority for me and my colleagues in the Senate,” said Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona). “This is particularly true for veterans struggling with mental health issues, PTSD, trauma, and other issues. I am glad that the Senate is once again taking the lead to make sure the men and women who bravely served this state and country can receive the treatment and support they need.”

Several counties already have veterans treatment courts that help veterans receive treatment for their less severe crimes instead of prison. The Veterans Restorative Justice Act is not a mandate; it simply provides a statutory set of guidelines for veterans’ treatment in courts.

The bill recommends veterans be eligible for the diversionary program if their offense is below a severity level 7 on the state’s sentencing grid, and that they swear that the offense was committed due to one of several factors: service-connected sexual trauma, a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, a substance abuse disorder, or mental health condition. The court will investigate all claims. Veterans would be required to plead guilty and accept conditions of the court, including remaining sober and completing a treatment program.