MO HB2137

Creates a work for restitution program allowing counties, cities, community organizations, and churches to establish supervised work programs for nonviolent offenders on probation or parole.

Requires courts to consider probation for any person convicted of a nonviolent offense, and if granted with restitution owed, to mandate participation in the work for restitution program as a condition of probation without imposing incarceration.

Requires participating offenders to work 12 hours per day, six days per week (8 hours for personal income, 4 hours for restitution work) at no more than federal minimum wage until restitution and rehabilitation fees equal to total restitution are paid in full.

Excludes from the program persons convicted of dangerous felonies, persistent offenders with three or more prior felonies, those unsuccessful in three separate program attempts, and those who refuse to participate.

Establishes a Work for Restitution Fund funded by rehabilitation fees, with local governing agencies required to provide annual reports on program effectiveness, participant outcomes, and financial impact.