MO HB154

Establishes a three-year pilot mental health assessment program allowing judges in participating counties to place offenders in the Department of Corrections for 120 days of mental health assessment and treatment upon prosecutor motion.

Permits courts to release offenders on probation following the assessment period if appropriate, with supervision by state probation and parole officers coordinating with the Department of Mental Health for Community Psychiatric Rehabilitation (CPR) programs.

Prohibits probation under the pilot program for offenders convicted of murder in the second degree, forcible rape, statutory rape in the first degree, forcible sodomy, statutory sodomy in the first degree, class A child molestation, predatory sexual offenses, or any offense with statutory prohibition against probation or parole.

Increases sexual misconduct in the second degree to a class D felony when committed by a prisoner or offender in the presence of a minor or correctional facility employee.

Requires all offenders imprisoned for sexual assault offenses to successfully complete treatment and rehabilitation programs developed by the Department of Corrections prior to being eligible for parole or conditional release.