LEGISLATION TO CREATE VETERAN’S COURT ADVANCES

A bill passed a Senate committee that would assist veterans who commit a crime as a result of their service. The measure creates a Veterans Court Pilot Program which will serve as a diversion for certain nonviolent offenders who are veterans and will get them the appropriate treatment needed instead of sending them into the criminal justice system. Amendments to the legislation is opening it up to the entire state as the original draft had a pilot program for Cape May, Cumberland, and Atlantic counties. The measure was sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew.