MO SB171

Allows circuit and associate circuit judges to contract with private entities to provide probation supervision for misdemeanor offenders and offenders convicted of class C or class D felonies when the sentencing judge orders private services.

Removes requirement for the Board of Probation and Parole to provide supervision for class C and D felony offenders when private probation services are contracted and ordered by the sentencing court.

Requires private probation entities to submit written applications to circuit judges for approval before providing services, with the application and contract forwarded to the Board of Probation and Parole.

Prohibits the state and counties from paying costs of private probation services; instead requires offenders on private probation to contribute $30-$50 per month to the private entity.

Allows courts to exempt or reduce offender contributions based on seven factors including unemployment, student status, employment handicaps, age, dependent support obligations, extenuating circumstances, or transfer outside the state.