SAINT PAUL – On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2019, which directs the Department of Justice to establish a Veterans Treatment Court Program to help state, local, and tribal governments to develop and maintain veterans treatment courts. The U.S. House had previously approved the measure on October 28.
Also on Tuesday, the U.S. House approved a budget package funding the federal government in 2020 which invests $23 million to expand veterans courts. The U.S. Senate is expected to pass the legislation later this week.
State Rep. Rob Ecklund (DFL – International Falls), chair of the Minnesota House Veterans and Military Affairs Division, cheered the progress to expand veterans courts at the federal level and announced his renewed efforts to do so in Minnesota.
“It’s good to see our counterparts in Washington come together to approve this important legislation aimed at helping our nation’s veterans overcome difficulty, avoid incarceration, and get the treatment they need,” said Rep. Ecklund. “Here at home, I was proud the Minnesota House passed the Veterans Restorative Justice Act this past session, which would have expanded proven restorative justice practices. I was disappointed the Minnesota Senate didn't consider the bill. The veterans court model works, and our service members who have made sacrifices for our nation, many of whom have experienced great trauma, deserve a pathway to redemption and the opportunity to get back on their feet.”
Rep. Ecklund is the chief-author of the Veterans Restorative Justice Act in the Minnesota House. The bipartisan legislation includes new sentencing recommendations for veterans who have experienced PTSD or another service-related disorder to refer them to treatment for substance abuse or mental health problems rather than jail or prison. The House approved the legislation as part of its Veterans and Military Affairs Budget, while the bill stalled in the Senate.
The measure earned support from Governor Walz, prosecutors, defense attorneys, veterans advocates, and judges. Rep. Ecklund plans to again push for the bill’s passage during the 2020 legislative session.