Committee combines two bills and unanimously reports measure to identify incarcerated veterans and connect them to services

The House Public Safety Subcommittee voted unanimously (6-0) to report a substitute that incorporates HB 2522 into HB 2071, directing enhanced identification and reentry services for incarcerated veterans.

Delegates Fowler and Thomas presented companion bills; both said the measure would allow the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) to consult with DOC and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Reentry Search Services (VRSS) to identify veterans in state and local correctional facilities. The goal is to prepare veterans for release, reduce homelessness and recidivism, connect veterans to behavioral health resources, and refer eligible veterans to veterans treatment dockets.

Donna Harrison, Housing and Criminal Justice Director for DVS, testified the department supports the bill and stressed gaps in local and regional jail participation: DVS uses VRSS but only about 21 of 64 local and regional jails currently use the system. Harrison testified that identifying veterans before release is important because incarcerated veterans have elevated suicide risk and higher rates of homelessness; she told the committee 30% of incarcerated veterans have a history of homelessness and that incarcerated veterans have a higher suicide-attempt rate than nonjustice-involved veterans.

Daniel Cortez (Joint Leadership Council/National VetCorps Alliance) testified in support and urged the committee to "close the loop" to ensure veterans are identified and connected to DVS prerelease and postrelease services.

The committee voted to incorporate HB 2522 into HB 2071 and reported the combined substitute to the next stage (roll call 6-0).