California is considering a bill that would make it easier for military veterans to get a break on DUI’s.
The bill would expand a current military diversion program that allows military veterans suffering from PTSD or other trauma-related conditions to avoid conviction for misdemeanor crimes by agreeing to treatment.
In military cities such as San Diego, home to over 90,000 veterans , such legislation could make a significant impact.
“The legislation, Senate Bill 725 , passed unanimously in the Senate and easily passed the Assembly public safety committee this morning ,” reports the San Diego Union Tribune. “It could go to the full Assembly as early as later this week, and then on to the governor’s desk."
“To qualify, veterans must have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma or other conditions on a short list of service-connected issues."
Senate Bill 725 has faced criticism by the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, which says it could “jeopardize safety by creating a revolving door for drunk drivers,” writes the Tribune.
Others praise the bill as a way to ensure military veterans with brain trauma or mental health conditions receive the treatment they need sooner rather than later.
According to NBC 7 San Diego , the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office is "advocating the bill be amended to include a limit on the number of times offenders can utilize the diversion program."
What do you think of this bill? Does it hurt or harm veterans? Let us know in the comments section below!
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