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Senator withdraws veterans‑treatment court bill for now, citing budget constraints
Summary
Senate Bill 96, which would have expanded veterans treatment courts statewide, was postponed indefinitely at the sponsor’s request. The sponsor said operational costs and the current budget deficit require further work and stakeholder collaboration before a future filing.
Senate Bill 96, an effort to expand veterans treatment courts and formalize a model used in other states, was postponed indefinitely at the sponsor’s request during the April 13 Senate Judiciary Committee meeting.
Sponsor explanation: The bill’s sponsor said the policy remains a priority but that the state’s current budget constraints and implementation costs mean there is not a viable path this session. He asked for the bill to be taken up in a future session after more stakeholder work and potential budget allocations.
Committee action: The committee granted the sponsor’s request and postponed SB96 indefinitely; supporters said the approach has evidence of reducing recidivism where properly funded but acknowledged the need for further design and financing work.
Next steps: Sponsor indicated intent to refile or rework the measure next legislative session with a focus on an evidence‑based model and funding plan.
