Post Traumatic Stress Disordered Veterans Would Get Break From SB 138

Senate Bill 138, a measure that would give a break to veterans convicted of crimes that stem from their military combat, breezed through the Criminal Justice Committee Wednesday.

Sponsored by Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, the bill specifically names post traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse and psychological problems as reasons for granting a hearing on the underlying health issue before sentencing. It would also provide that veterans convicted because of these causes may be placed in treatment programs rather than be sentenced to probation or community service.

The Veterans Court bill has been named after Okaloosa County Judge T. Patterson Maney, a retired Army reserve brigadier general who served in Afghanistan. Maney was wounded by an IED there, spent 20 months recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Veterans who have served and protected our country deserve our understanding and support, said Bennett. This bill is a step in that direction.It is co-sponsored by Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland.