As Christians, we believe in both accountability and redemption. We also believe that when men and women answer the call to serve our nation, we owe them more than gratitude — we owe them support when they return home carrying the burdens of that service.
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That is why the Christian Coalition of Florida strongly supported HB 199 throughout the 2026 Legislative Session, and why we respectfully urge Gov. Ron DeSantis to sign this important legislation into law.
HB 199 strengthens Florida’s veterans treatment courts by aligning them with other successful specialty court models already operating in our state. These courts are designed to address the underlying challenges many veterans face, including trauma, addiction, and mental health struggles connected to their service, while maintaining accountability through structured supervision and judicial oversight.
This legislation reflects a commitment to solutions that work — approaches that reduce recidivism, strengthen families and produce lasting outcomes for individuals and communities. Veterans treatment courts are not an alternative to accountability; they are a more effective way to achieve it.
As we continue to evaluate and improve our criminal justice system, we should remain focused on prevention, rehabilitation and successful re-entry. These principles recognize that long-term public safety is best achieved when individuals are given the tools and support necessary to become productive members of society.
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As people of faith, we are called to pursue justice while also extending the opportunity for redemption. Veterans who have served our country deserve the chance to rebuild their lives when they return home, particularly when the challenges they face are tied to that service.
The Christian Coalition of Florida was proud to stand alongside veterans, public safety advocates, and lawmakers from both parties in support of this legislation at every stage of the process. We thank Rep. Patt Maney and Sen. Don Gaetz for their leadership, and the Florida Legislature for its unanimous support.
We respectfully ask Gov. DeSantis to sign HB 199 into law.
Florida’s veterans stood for us. We should stand for them.
Roberta Combs is president and CEO of Christian Coalition and Christian Coalition of America.
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