NC S402

Allows courts to consider posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a mitigating factor when sentencing a veteran.

PTSD must be diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) or subsequent editions and must have resulted from military service in a combat zone.

Requires the veteran to provide documentary evidence of service in a combat zone as defined in section 112 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, verified by certification from the Secretary of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Requires the veteran to provide documentary evidence of a PTSD diagnosis connected to their military service.

Becomes effective October 1, 2017.