RDCSB548 3831 3183
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
SB 548 Reengrossed 2018 Regular Session Boudreaux
Proposed law provides that any district attorney, alone or working with the district attorney
of an adjacent judicial district, may create a special pretrial diversion program for defendants
who meet the following requirements:
(1)The individual is a veteran as defined by present law.
(2)The defendant has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a
result of military service and provides documentation of his diagnosis to the court.
Proposed law provides that at the discretion of the district attorney, after costs associated
with the administration of the program are paid, a portion of all remaining monies collected
may be distributed to entities within the judicial district, or within the judicial districts
participating in the program, that provide rehabilitative services and treatment to veterans
who have been diagnosed with PTSD.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 15:244)
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary B to the
original bill
1. Makes technical changes.
2. Removes the requirement that each district attorney create a military pretrial
diversion program and makes the creation of such program permissive.
3. Clarifies that a veteran cannot be charged with a felony that is defined as a
crime of violence in present law to be eligible for the program.
4. Requires the veteran to provide documentation of his diagnosis.
5. Provides that remaining monies may be distributed to entities that provide
rehabilitative services and treatment to veterans diagnosed with post
traumatic stress disorder.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Legislative Bureau technical amendment.
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Judiciary to the
reengrossed bill:
1. Specify that the proposed law program is in addition to any existing pretrial
diversion programs.
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2. Remove the proposed law provisions relative to certain felony or misdemeanor
offenses.
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