FL H7023

Establishes comprehensive framework for veterans treatment court programs in Florida judicial circuits to address underlying causes of veterans' criminal involvement through specialized dockets, multidisciplinary teams, and evidence-based treatment.

Defines eligible participants as veterans or servicemembers (including active duty, reserve components, Florida National Guard, DoD contractors, and foreign allied military members) with service-related mental health conditions, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse disorders, psychological problems, or military sexual trauma.

Requires defendants to submit applications to state attorneys for program admission at any criminal proceeding stage; state attorney and chief judge determine eligibility based on offense nature, defendant characteristics, criminal history, treatment resources, and community impact.

Mandates programs implement key components including substance abuse and mental health treatment integration, nonadversarial approaches, frequent drug testing, ongoing judicial oversight, and partnerships with Department of Veterans Affairs and Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Effective July 1, 2021, and allows existing Military Veterans and Servicemembers Court Programs to continue operating while complying with amendments; does not create individual right to program participation.