RI S2997

Requires law enforcement to verify veteran status through SQUARES or VRSS databases within 24 hours of any contact, with or without arrest, and provide weekly reports to the Rhode Island Department of Veterans Services and relevant courts

Defines "veteran" for criminal justice purposes as anyone who served in any Armed Forces branch, including National Guard or Reserves, with any discharge type except dishonorable—unless the individual has been diagnosed with substance use disorder, military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, or other mental health condition

Mandates correctional facilities verify veteran status within 7 days of intake, notify the VA between 61-90 days of incarceration for felony veterans still in custody, and notify VA within 7 days of release for inmates incarcerated over 60 days

Requires probation and parole administrators to verify veteran status within 21 days of community supervision start date and assist veterans with federal benefits applications

Guarantees veteran arrestees, inmates, and supervisees access to VA representatives, veterans justice outreach specialists, deflection initiative personnel, and applications for treatment courts, diversion programs, and sentencing mitigation