AR HB2025

Amends Arkansas Code § 5-4-102 to require presentence investigations to include an inquiry into whether a defendant is currently serving in or is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States.

Authorizes courts to order presentence officers to consult with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or similar agencies for treatment options when a defendant is a current or former service member diagnosed with mental illness by a qualified mental health professional.

Permits courts to consider treatment recommendations from mental health professionals combined with available treatment options when imposing sentence on military veterans or current service members with diagnosed mental illness.

Requires courts to advise defendants and their counsel of the contents and conclusions of presentence investigations or psychiatric examinations before sentencing and allow opportunity to contest factual contents.

Mandates that copies of presentence investigation reports and psychiatric evaluations be transmitted to the Department of Correction or specific institution if the defendant is sentenced to imprisonment.