A joint Alaskan bill was introduced this month, which focuses on early intervention and support for veterans facing criminal justice charges.
Representatives Will Stapp (R-Fairbanks) and Senator Loki Tobin (D-Anchorage) introduced House Bill 299 and Senate Bill 236, known as the Veterans Justice Act. It would create a statewide veteran sentencing program to reduce recidivism and support veterans’ reintegration into society who face certain criminal charges.
“Military service can leave lasting impacts. Recognizing that accountability and rehabilitation are not mutually exclusive, we can create a uniform, evidence-based veteran sentencing program that holds veterans accountable while ensuring they have access to treatment and support,” said Tobin. “This will help reduce recidivism and support successful reintegration into their communities. These folks put their lives on the line for our freedoms, and they deserve our support.”
Alaska is home to around 59,000 veterans, making up 8 percent of the state’s population– the highest concentration in the country, according to the state Department of Labor– and many continue to face challenges related to their military service, including post-traumatic stress disorder, which is linked to higher rates of substance abuse and incarceration.
This is particularly true among those who served after Sept. 11. These veterans have experienced more combat deployments and redeployments than any previous generation.
The veteran must exhibit symptoms of “a condition from military service” defined in the bill as a substance use disorder, military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health condition that is related to an individual’s military service. They must also agree to participate in the program.
Currently, veterans in the justice system face a patchwork of programs that vary widely by jurisdiction and are often difficult to access because of strict eligibility requirements, geographic location and limited incentives to participate.
The Veterans Justice Act would focus on early intervention and support for veterans facing criminal justice charges, with a focus on rehabilitative sentencing.
“As the Representative for Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, I am acutely familiar with the issues that affect veterans transitioning out of the service with these experiences,” said Stapp. “This bill is meant to balance the need for individuals to be accountable for their own actions and the duty we owe our men and women who volunteer to protect and preserve our way of life.”
Senate Bill 236 and House Bill 299 would allow courts to use deferred judgments and probation for veterans who meet the criteria. It requires individualized case plans, evidence-based treatment and directs courts to consider a defendant’s veteran status as a factor at sentencing.
There would be exemptions to this Act for individuals facing certain serious offenses, though.
The legislation also directs law enforcement, courts and correctional personnel to verify veteran status. In addition, the bill requires the Alaska Criminal Justice Data Analysis Commission to collect and report data on program outcomes.