Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the importance of assisting justice-involved veterans.

Bill: 116-hres-698
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Horn, Kendra S. [D-OK-5]
Introduced: 2019-11-14
Policy area: Crime and Law Enforcement
Subjects: Correctional facilities and imprisonment

Criminal procedure and sentencing

Drug, alcohol, tobacco use

Judicial procedure and administration

Mental health

Veterans' education, employment, rehabilitation

Veterans' medical care
Latest action: action_date: 2019-12-18
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Summaries:
action_date: 2019-11-14
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p>This resolution supports the expansion of the veterans treatment court program, encourages deeper studies into the efficacy of such programs and best practices, and reaffirms the commitment to helping veterans reintegrate to civilian life. <br /></p>

tv_txt: IV 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 698 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES November 14, 2019 Ms. Kendra S. Horn of Oklahoma (for herself, Mr. Crenshaw , Mr. Takano , Mr. Brindisi , Ms. Stefanik , Mr. Rose of New York , Ms. Torres Small of New Mexico , Mr. Swalwell of California , Mr. Case , Mr. Trone , and Mr. Larsen of Washington ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary , and in addition to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives on the importance of assisting justice-involved veterans.

Whereas almost 200,000 veterans are incarcerated; Whereas more than half of justice-involved veterans have either a mental health issue or a substance abuse disorder; Whereas a substantial number of justice-involved veterans are homeless or at risk for homelessness; Whereas many veterans have difficulty finding work and reintegrating into society after living in formalized environments; Whereas veterans who get involved in the criminal justice system may be at a higher risk for suicide; Whereas justice-involved veterans in prison cannot receive medical services furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs, but may receive outreach services; Whereas justice-involved veterans have more specialized needs upon reentry into society; Whereas veterans treatment courts serve only veterans who are charged with nonviolent crimes and are in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment; Whereas prosecutors work with defense attorneys to negotiate whether a veteran’s case should be heard in the treatment court, and veterans go through counseling funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs; Whereas once the veteran finishes the program, which can last from a few months to years, all charges are dropped; and Whereas only approximately 500 counties have veterans treatment courts: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1) supports the expansion of the veterans treatment court program; (2) encourages deeper studies into the efficacy of these programs and best practices; and (3) reaffirms the commitment of the House of Representatives to helping all veterans reintegrating to civilian life.