LINCOLN- Last Thursday, the Nebraska Legislature advanced Sen. Brewer's LB253, which would give judges across the state the authority to connect with veterans who wind up in court with services to help them deal with their underlying traumas. The bill would also direct the Nebraska Probation System to create a veteran justice program in each district in the state.

"I do not think being a veteran should be a permit to commit crimes, but I think we need to make sure the system works to address those issues," said Brewer, who spent 37 years in the military. Under the bill, veterans who commit crimes a judge deems unqualifying for the program would not be allowed to participate, and a victim of the veteran's crimes would also be given a chance to address the court during the process.

However, if assigned a case plan, veterans would receive supervision and treatment to help address post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries, military sexual trauma, and other conditions tied to service in the armed forces. Should a veteran complete a case plan, their case would be dismissed.

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