Rep. Charlie Crist, D-Fla., who introduced the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act, told Military Times in an email that the bill would “expand and bolster” these courts to provide veterans with the counseling, care and support services needed to transition into civilian life. Another bill Crist worked on, which also needs final House approval, sets aside $25 million in grants and technical assistance for these programs.
According to figures provided by the advocacy group National Veterans Court Alliance, there are more than 450 veterans treatment courts in 22 states. Nearly half are in Florida alone.
Rigual and other members of the Alliance met in Washington on Wednesday with House representatives and White House staffers to advocate for the bill’s passage, sharing anecdotes of how these courts have saved lives.