Florida lawmakers are pushing forward with efforts to strengthen and streamline veterans’ treatment courts across the state, and the House’s recent unanimous approval of HB 845 marks a major step. The bill is designed to create consistency across these specialty courts, which support veterans living with service-related conditions — including those who need help from our Florida military sexual trauma lawyer team — by offering a more therapeutic, structured alternative to traditional criminal proceedings.
HB 845, led by Rep. Patt Maney, a retired judge and Army general, aligns veterans’ treatment courts with the processes used in drug treatment and mental health courts. These courts are non-adversarial and focus on accountability, treatment, and rehabilitation. Participants must attend frequent hearings, undergo routine testing, and work with interdisciplinary teams that may include defense counsel, prosecutors, treatment providers, and court staff. A key change under the bill removes the requirement that a state attorney must approve participation; instead, judges, with input from an interdisciplinary team, will make eligibility determinations. Conditions covered include service-related mental health conditions, traumatic brain injuries, substance use disorders, psychological challenges, and experiences of military sexual trauma.
Florida established its statewide program in 2012, but the state’s veterans’ treatment courts have developed varied processes over time. HB 845 aims to bring consistency, reduce confusion, and make procedures clearer for all involved. The House bill received unanimous approval in every committee, though the Senate companion bill has not yet moved forward. Still, with strong bipartisan support and backing from criminal defense groups, veterans’ organizations, and justice reform advocates, the effort signals renewed statewide commitment to supporting veterans in crisis.
Supporting Veterans Beyond The Courtroom
Veterans’ treatment courts exist in part because many veterans — including survivors of military sexual trauma — face unique challenges after service. As Florida seeks to strengthen these systems, we also recognize how critical it is for survivors to have legal support when pursuing benefits tied to trauma experienced during service. That is where our Florida military sexual trauma attorneys can help. MST can lead to long-term mental and physical health impacts, and many survivors struggle when taking on the VA claims process. The conditions recognized within the court system mirror those recognized by the VA, which means accurate documentation and strong advocacy are essential.
At Glover Luck LLP, we support MST survivors seeking care, safety, and benefits. Many clients come to us after struggling to secure compensation or after receiving unfair denials. Survivors often benefit from having our military sexual trauma attorneys on their side because we understand the evidence requirements the VA uses to evaluate MST claims. These claims differ from other disability cases, relying heavily on “markers” — indirect signs of trauma — rather than traditional documentation. Without guidance from our VA MST claim lawyers, many survivors are left feeling discouraged or dismissed.
Our team exclusively provides legal support for veterans looking to get on track with their benefits. We offer free consultations for those in need, providing critical access to our team at any time of day or night. And with an office conveniently located in Dallas, we’re always within reach.
Just as HB 845 strengthens Florida’s commitment to supporting veterans through structured, accountable programs, our MST disability compensation lawyers work to make sure survivors receive the benefits they’ve earned. In doing so, we help clients access mental health treatment, financial support, and long-term stability. If you or a loved one is struggling with an MST-related VA claim, contact Glover Luck LLP today. Our Florida military sexual trauma lawyers are here to help you pursue the justice, benefits, and support you deserve.
