MO HB1220

Establishes a two-year pilot project beginning January 1, 2013, operated by the Department of Corrections and Department of Social Services' Children's Division to increase visitation access for children ages newborn to seventeen with incarcerated mothers who retain parental rights.

Excludes mothers convicted of crimes listed in section 210.117 where the victim is a child or convicted of child abuse under sections 210.109 to 210.183 from program participation.

Implements the pilot at two women's prison facilities located in Vandalia and Chillicothe, with priority focus on children living fifty or more miles from the facility where their mothers are incarcerated.

Requires providing monthly transportation for children and their caretaker to visit incarcerated mothers, or implementing other available means to increase visitation between them.

Directs the Department of Corrections and Department of Social Services to submit a joint report to the governor and general assembly by February 1, 2016, assessing program effectiveness, costs, and recommending whether to expand the project statewide.