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Attorney General Frey Joins Bi-Partisan Coalition of State Attorneys General Urging Congress to Pass the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act
November 15, 2019
AUGUSTA - Attorney General Aaron M. Frey, along with a bipartisan coalition of 43 state attorneys general, is urging Congress to further support Veteran Treatment Courts by passing the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2019. Veteran Treatment Courts are diversionary court processes, similar to drug and mental health courts, used for minor, non-violent offenses. These courts pair veterans with mentors to address substance abuse and mental health issues and assist veterans with obtaining United States Veterans Administration benefits that can help them with treatment and employment. There are currently over 450 Veteran Treatment Courts in 40 states and territories.
"Veteran Treatment Courts recognize the unique challenges many veterans face after the conclusion of their military service and focus on treating individuals with the dignity and fairness they deserve," said Frey. I am proud to join this bi-partisan coalition of attorneys general in supporting federal legislation to provide stronger support and coordination for this important initiative.
In a letter to Senate leaders, the attorneys general wrote to encourage the passage of House Resolution 886, the Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act of 2019. House Resolution 886 would establish a Veteran Treatment Court Program in the United States Department of Justice to provide grants and technical assistance to state, local and tribal courts that implement Veteran Treatment Courts.
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas co-sponsored the letter. The Attorneys General from the following states and territories signed the letter: Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
