The Minnesota Senate on Monday 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 the House of Representatives chose not to act on it.

“I come from a proud military family,” said Sen. Mike Goggin (R-Red Wing). “My uncles served in Vietnam. My father and my father-in-law both served in Korea. My nephew currently serves in the Air Force. When I hear about veterans battling PTSD or mental health issues, it strikes a personal chord with me because I know it could just as easily happen to a member of my family. We have a responsibility to help those veterans get the help and the support they need so they can turn their lives around. It’s the right thing to do.”

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.