HJ0075 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0075 LRB098 19608 GRL 54802 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On June 12, 2010, Governor Pat Quinn signed the Veterans and Servicemembers Court Treatment Act into law; the Act allows counties in Illinois to create a Veterans and Servicemembers Court Program or Veterans' Treatment Courts for military veterans charged with non-violent crimes; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Cook, DuPage, Lake, Madison, Peoria, Will, Winnebago, and several other counties have Veterans' Treatment Courts to assist veterans with substance abuse and other related problems; and

WHEREAS, Many returning veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injuries, substance abuse, and other service-related disabilities; and

WHEREAS, Veterans' Treatment Courts are used as an alternative venue to the regular criminal justice system for non-violent criminal offenses; the courts connect veterans with specialized treatment and counseling programs to assist them with transitioning to life after their military service; and

WHEREAS, Veterans' Treatment Courts require regular court appearances in addition to mandatory attendance at treatment sessions for substance abuse as well as random testing for substance use; and

WHEREAS, Upon successful completion of the program, the charges against the veteran may be dismissed; and

WHEREAS, Veterans' Treatment Courts are in a unique position to link veterans with additional services and resources available to them; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we encourage the creation of Veterans and Servicemembers Treatment Courts in all counties in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge counties that currently have successful programs to work with other counties to help create successful programs and provide assistance in implementation to better serve our veterans in every county; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be presented to the County Board Chair or President of all 102 Illinois counties.