MO SB768

Authorizes any circuit court or combination of circuit courts to establish veterans treatment courts for military veterans or current military personnel with cases stemming from substance abuse or mental illness.

Veterans treatment courts must combine judicial supervision, drug testing, and substance abuse and mental health treatment for eligible participants.

Courts must refer participants to treatment through Department of Defense health care, Veterans Administration, or community-based programs certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, unless no certified program exists in the same county.

Upon successful program completion, charges, petitions, or penalties against participants may be dismissed, reduced, or modified.

Fees received from defendants for treatment programs shall not be classified as court costs, charges, or fines.