TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators are considering whether to let judges consider a veteran’s diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder as a mitigating factor in sentencing.
A bill heard Tuesday by the House Corrections and Juvenile Justice Committee would add PTSD to a list of factors that let judges depart from the Kansas sentencing guidelines.
Republican Rep. Tom Sloan of Lawrence said the bill was sought by the Kansas National Guard as a way to help veterans of all wars who are coping with the traumatic effects of combat.
“Unfortunately, for some persons sent to combat areas, upon their return to Kansas and their families, the experiences, sights, sounds, fears and memories result in behavior that brings them to court,” Sloan said. “The vast majority of these veterans are not criminals, rather they continue reacting to their combat theater experiences.”
The diagnosis wouldn’t automatically result in a reduced sentence, but could be used by the court to determine if there is compelling reason to adjust the sentence. The provision would apply to all active duty, National Guard and reserve personnel or veterans who have been deployed to an official combat zone.
Sloan said other states are considering similar measures.
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<img src=" http://www.joplinglobeonline.com/images/zope/ttalker.gif" border=0> Kansas panel considers veteran, PTSD crime bill
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