MO HB1456

Authorizes the director of the Department of Corrections to establish a three-year pilot program for mental health assessment and treatment of offenders.

Allows judges in participating counties to request placement of offenders in the Department of Corrections for 120 days of mental health assessment upon prosecutor motion, if the offender may qualify for probation with community psychiatric rehabilitation programs and public safety is not compromised.

Requires victims be given notice and opportunity to be heard before a judge rules on the assessment motion.

Prohibits probation under this section 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, child molestation in the first degree (Class A felony), predatory sexual offenses, or any offense with statutory prohibition against probation or parole.

Requires the directors of the Department of Corrections and Department of Mental Health to jointly submit recommendations to the governor and general assembly by December 31, 2015, on whether to expand the program statewide.