The Minnesota Senate again 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. This is the third special session that the Senate approved the same bill, but the House of Representatives has repeatedly failed to pass it.
“Our first priority should be treating the heartbreaking mental, emotional, and physical issues that can arise from military service — particularly when they cause a veteran to commit less-severe crimes,” said Sen. Julie Rosen (R-Fairmont). “These are among the most important issues we address in St. Paul, and I am always proud of the bipartisan support our veterans receive. These are men and women who put their state and the country ahead of themselves, and we owe it to them to make sure they receive the help they need instead of simply putting them in jail. We already have several of these specialized treatment courts in our area, including Blue Earth County, Faribault/Martin/Jackson County, and Watonwan County, and they have been quite successful. It would be great for Minnesota veterans if every county could adopt their own court using these standardized guidelines.”
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.