H.F. No. 9 Summary

• Courts must evaluate military veterans charged with Severity Level 7, D7, or lower offenses to determine if the crime stems from service-related sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or mental health conditions.

• Eligible veterans may receive probation without judgment of guilt, with court-ordered treatment not exceeding the maximum sentence for the offense, rather than jail or prison time.

• Veterans who successfully complete probation and treatment requirements can have charges dismissed and record sealed as "not public," though a confidential record is retained for use in future proceedings.

• Counties and judicial districts may establish optional veterans treatment court programs using veterans service officers, VA specialists, and probation agents to supervise eligible defendants.

• Counties and cities can create veterans pretrial diversion programs allowing prosecutors to dismiss charges if offenders successfully complete recommended treatment through the VA or nonprofit providers.

• Effective date: April 1, 2021.