The Minnesota Senate unanimously approved The Veterans Restorative Justice Act today, which aims to divert at-risk veterans toward probation and social service programs instead of jail time when they commit certain less-severe crimes.

“I am delighted to vote for a bill that will result in many positive changes for our veterans,” said Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake). “So many men and women have willingly stepped up to the plate and born a multitude of burdens for the sake of keeping the country free and protected.  The trauma that results should not be held against them in a court of law, and it only makes sense that lesser crimes are treated with understanding.”

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 the conditions of the court, including remaining sober and completing a treatment program.