Court programs for veteran, military personnel considered
Court programs would be designed specifically for veterans and military personnel under a bill heard by the Judiciary Committee Feb. 20.
Under LB1105, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Amanda McGill, court programs would be established to hold accountable military veterans and service members who violate the law and provide treatment for their mental health needs.
McGill said military personnel who come into contact with the justice system have unique problems that need special consideration.
“The Legislature needs to acknowledge in an official way that a high number of veterans and service members experience mental health problems and/or substance abuse addiction,” McGill said. “And those who come into contact with the justice system should have the opportunity to receive treatment as a priority.”
Jim Cada of the Nebraska State Bar Association testified in support of the bill, saying a military-specific court program would be similar to alternate criminal justice programs created for drug offenders. Specialized court programs for military personnel are important, he said, because judges and staff members would be trained to recognize post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental issues unique to those offenders.
John Hilgert, director of the veterans’ homes division of the state Department of Health and Human Services, also testified in support of the bill.
He said veterans and service members deserve special programs as recognition for their service to their country and that their military experiences can result in illegal behavior once military personnel rejoin civilian society.
“If not for their service to our nation, they would not be making poor choices,” Hilgert said.
Amy Miller of American Civil Liberties Union Nebraska testified in a neutral capacity on the bill, saying special court programs should be made available based on need and offense, not military status.
No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action on LB1105.
