What's behind the outpouring of support - and why now? "Maybe," Helmich said, "lawmakers are more aware of veterans issues as a result of two long wars and in-depth reports about veterans' psychological trauma."
Maney, 62, is the namesake of SB 138, which allows counties to develop jail-diversion programs for veterans charged with certain crimes as a result of traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder or substance use stemming from military combat. Serving in Afghanistan in 2005, Maney suffered a traumatic brain injury, the signature affliction of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Even the state Department of Veterans Affairs is pleasantly puzzled by the effort. The agency is sponsoring five bills, including one that would establish Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day (SB 765/HB 704) and one that puts a Florida Veterans Hall of Fame in the Capitol building (SB 520/HB 465).
The jail-diversion bill addresses what Maney and Sen. Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton, its sponsor and a Vietnam veteran, say is an increase in veterans committing crimes. In Maney's courtroom, veterans are more commonly arrested on misdemeanor charges such as trespassing, open-container possession, marijuana possession, writing worthless checks, disorderly conduct and domestic violence.
Lawmakers often repeat this goal: They want Florida to be the best state for veterans.
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