H.R. 6003: Justice Involved Veterans Support Act

The **Justice Involved Veterans Support Act** is a proposed bill that aims to help improve the identification and documentation of veterans who are incarcerated in state prisons and local jails across the United States. The bill recognizes that approximately 181,000 veterans are currently incarcerated, and many of them suffer from mental health issues or substance abuse disorders, which can complicate their reentry into society after incarceration.

Key Provisions of the Bill

The bill outlines the following key provisions:

Pilot Program Establishment

• The Attorney General, in collaboration with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, is tasked with implementing a pilot program.
• This program will provide grants and technical assistance to state prisons and local jails to enhance their ability to document whether inmates are veterans.

Purposes of the Pilot Program

The bill specifies several main objectives for the pilot program:

• **Aid in Benefits**: It aims to assist the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in providing benefits to incarcerated veterans under existing laws.
• **Support State Offices**: It seeks to help state veterans affairs offices in offering benefits to incarcerated veterans.
• **Increase Diversion to Treatment**: It intends to increase the number of veterans involved in the criminal justice system who are diverted to veterans treatment courts, which can provide specialized support for veterans.

Priority for Grant Recipients

When selecting which state prisons and local jails will receive grants through the pilot program, the Attorney General will prioritize the following:

• Facilities located in states with the highest populations of veterans per capita.
• Facilities in states where there are significant rates of veterans living in poverty.
• Facilities in jurisdictions that have a veterans treatment court or a veterans diversion program.

Definitions

The bill provides definitions for key terms, such as "veterans treatment court" and "veterans diversion program." These refer to state or local courts that participate in programs specifically designed for veterans within the criminal justice system.

Context and Background

The bill highlights the unique challenges faced by veterans in the criminal justice system, noting the importance of properly documenting their status as veterans, which can impact their access to benefits and specialized treatment options. By establishing this pilot program, the bill seeks to provide better support for veterans who find themselves involved in the justice system.

Relevant Companies

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