Justice Involved Veterans Support Act

Justice Involved Veterans Support Act

This bill directs the Department of Justice, in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs, to establish a pilot program to improve documentation of whether inmates of state prisons and local jails are veterans.

Bill 117 HR 5213, also known as the Justice Involved Veterans Support Act, aims to provide support and assistance to veterans who are involved in the criminal justice system. The bill recognizes the unique challenges that veterans face, such as mental health issues, substance abuse, and difficulty transitioning back to civilian life after serving in the military.

The key provisions of the bill include:

1. Establishing a grant program to fund veteran treatment courts, which are specialized courts that focus on addressing the underlying issues that may have led to a veteran's involvement in the criminal justice system. 2. Providing training and resources for law enforcement officers, judges, and other criminal justice professionals on how to effectively work with veterans and connect them with the services they need. 3. Expanding access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for veterans who are incarcerated or involved in the criminal justice system. 4. Requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to conduct outreach to veterans who are involved in the criminal justice system and connect them with VA services and benefits. Overall, the Justice Involved Veterans Support Act seeks to ensure that veterans who have served our country receive the support and assistance they need to successfully reintegrate into society and avoid further involvement in the criminal justice system.