Veterans Treatment Court Legislation

Services, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans (SERV) Act

In the 111th Congress, NADCP was honored to work with members of the House and Senate to produce the bipartisan SERV Act. The SERV Act would have provided funding for communities with existing Drug Courts that serve veterans or will establish new Veterans Treatment Courts. This critical legislation is the key to providing the resources necessary to expand Veterans Treatment Courts throughout the country.

 

On September 16, 2009, NADCP joined national leaders in the Veterans Treatment Court movement on Capitol Hill for a House Committee on Veterans' Affairs roundtable discussion on Veterans Treatment Courts. This discussion helped the SERV Act gain momentum on Capitol Hill.

NADCP and Justice For Vets is currently working with Congress on a bill that would provide federal funding specifically to Veterans Treatment Courts.

 

State Legislation

The widespread growth and early success of Veterans Treatment Courts has led a number of states to introduce bills pertaining to veterans in the criminal justice system and establishing Veterans Treatment Courts. In June of 2009, Texas became the first state to pass legislation specifically permitting the establishment of county Veterans Treatment Courts. Most recently, California, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon and Virginia have passed similar legislation. Justice For Vets stands ready to assist states with Veterans Treatment Court legislation.

Current state Veterans Treatment Court legislation:

California

 

Colorado

Illinois

 

Oregon

 

Texas

 

Virginia