FL S1496

Renames "Military Veterans and Servicemembers Court Programs" to "Veterans Treatment Courts" and establishes comprehensive statewide standards for their creation and operation in each judicial circuit

Defines eligible participants as veterans, servicemembers (including National Guard, DOD contractors, and foreign allied military members) who have military-related mental health conditions, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorders, or psychological problems

Requires veterans treatment courts to adopt key components including integrating treatment services with case processing, using nonadversarial approaches, frequent drug/alcohol testing, ongoing judicial interaction, and partnerships with the VA and community organizations

Establishes eligibility factors courts must consider, including nature of offense, state attorney recommendation, victim input, criminal history, treatment resources available, and community impact

Authorizes courts to impose treatment program participation as a condition of probation or community control for eligible veterans and servicemembers, effective October 1, 2020