BILL NUMBER:  AB 2611
  VETOED	DATE: 09/23/2012




To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 2611 without my signature.

This bill authorizes superior courts to implement veterans treatment
courts, and encourages those courts to maintain information and
statistics regarding the success rate.

A 2008 Rand Corporation study found that nearly 19 percent of Iraq
and Afghanistan veterans were reporting symptoms of post-traumatic
stress disorder or major depression.   I applaud the author's
interest in encouraging courts to focus on helping these offenders
rather than focusing solely on the punishment.

These matters, however, fall logically within the sound discretion of
the courts.  Veterans treatment courts operate today in 15 counties,
including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego and Ventura.  Nine more
counties are considering whether to establish one.  A bill is not
necessary.  I urge courts to continue to explore ways to meet the
needs of veterans who have served their nation, including
establishing a veterans treatment court.

Sincerely,



Edmund G. Brown Jr.