Relating to the eligibility of service members and veterans to participate in a veterans treatment court program.

HB 153 amends Texas law to expand eligibility for veterans treatment court programs, directly affecting service members and veterans facing criminal charges. The bill removes the requirement for state prosecutors' consent to participate, instead allowing courts to admit veterans or active military members who: (1) have military-related brain injuries, mental illness, or trauma (like PTSD) that influenced their criminal conduct, or (2) would benefit from the program based on their background and history, with the goal of public safety through rehabilitation. It applies to misdemeanor or felony cases and would take effect September 1, 2025, if enacted. The bill was withdrawn from committee in April 2025 and has not advanced further.