HF 3670

1st Engrossment - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to public safety; requiring the court to inquire as to whether a
convicted defendant is a veteran; authorizing consultation with federal and state
veterans affairs regarding mental health treatment options during presentence
investigations; amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 609.115, by adding a
subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 609.115, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:

new text begin Subd. 10. new text end

new text begin Veterans; mental health status. new text end

new text begin (a) When a defendant is convicted of a
crime, the court shall inquire whether the defendant is a veteran of the armed forces of
the United States.
new text end

new text begin (b) If the defendant is a veteran and has been diagnosed with a mental illness by a
qualified psychiatrist or clinical psychologist or physician, the court may:
new text end

new text begin (1) order that the officer preparing the report under subdivision 1 consult with the
United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs,
or another agency or person with suitable knowledge or experience, for the purpose
of providing the court with information regarding treatment options available to the
defendant as a veteran including federal, state, and local programming; and
new text end

new text begin (2) consider the treatment recommendations of any diagnosing or treating mental
health professionals together with the treatment options available to the defendant as
a veteran in imposing sentence.
new text end