Services, Education, and Rehabilitation for Veterans (SERV) Act
NADCP was honored to work with members of the House and Senate to produce the bipartisan SERV Act, which was introduced to Congress early this year. The SERV Act would provide funding for communities with existing Drug Courts that serve veterans or will establish new Veterans Treatment Courts. This critical legislation is the key to providing the resources necessary to expand Veterans' Treatment Courts throughout the country.
On September 16, 2009, NADCP joined national leaders in the Veterans Treatment Court movement on Capitol Hill for a House Committee on Veterans' Affairs roundtable discussion on Veterans Treatment Courts. This discussion helped the SERV Act gain momentum on Capitol Hill and it continues to gain co-sponsors.
State Legislation
The widespread growth and early success of Veterans Treatment Courts has led a number of states to introduce bills pertaining to veterans in the criminal justice system and establishing Veterans Treatment Courts. In June of 2009, Texas became the first state to pass legislation specifically permitting the establishment of county Veterans Treatment Courts. Most recently, Colorado and Illinois have passed similar legislation. NADCP is actively working with a number of states on legislation.
Current state legislation:
Fmr. NADCP Board Chair Judge Chuck Simmons joins Rep. Patrick Kennedy and Sen. John Kerry for the introduction of the SERV Act to the House and Senate.
4/15/10 - Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signs HB 1104 into law
6/11/10 - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signs HB 5214 into law