Senator Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center) and the Minnesota Senate 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.

“We all know the heartbreaking issues that often arise from military service,” said Sen. Rosen. “Our first priority should be treating those issues, particularly when they cause a veteran to commit less-severe crimes. Veterans issues are among the most important issues we tackle in St. Paul precisely these are men and women who put their state and the country ahead of themselves. Veterans issues should never become partisan. They sacrificed so much for us; 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.