STANDING UP FOR THOSE WHO SERVED

Our veterans answered the call. Now it’s our turn to answer theirs.

I’m proud to see Florida lawmakers come together — Republicans and Democrats alike — to pass HB 199, expanding our state’s Veterans Treatment Courts.

The bill cleared the House 110-0 and the Senate 37-0.

That’s right: not a single “no” vote.

When it comes to honoring our veterans, there’s no red or blue — just red, white, and blue.

Sponsored by Rep. Patt Maney, a retired U.S. Army brigadier general and former judge, this legislation recognizes a hard truth: military service can leave lasting wounds — trauma, PTSD, addiction, and mental health struggles tied directly to a veteran’s sacrifice for our country.

Here’s what HB 199 does:

Aligns veterans’ courts with Florida’s other proven specialty courts

Gives judges, working with a multidisciplinary treatment team, the ability to determine eligibility

Maintains strict judicial oversight, supervision, and accountability

Focuses on real rehabilitation — reducing repeat offenses and keeping our communities safer

Florida is home to nearly 1.4 million veterans — second only to Texas.

These men and women earned our support, and this bill delivers it: combining accountability with treatment, mentoring, and a real path to rebuild stability after service.

Governor DeSantis, please sign this bill into law. Our veterans are counting on it.

As your candidate for Volusia County Council District 5, and through my work with Wreaths Across America placing wreaths on the graves of our fallen heroes each Christmas,

I will always stand with those who wore the uniform. Always.

God bless our veterans, and God bless America.

J.David Sosa