MO HB155

Allows circuit and associate circuit judges to contract with private entities to provide probation services for class C and D felony offenders, with the sentencing judge ordering use of such private services.

Requires courts to adopt rules for approval and oversight of private probation services, including guidelines for entity approval, fee verification, criminal background checks for officers, and minimum education/age requirements matching state probation officers.

Prohibits private probation entities from requiring clients to use other services owned or operated by the same entity as a condition of receiving probation services.

Mandates private probation contracts include provisions for indigent client services and sliding fee scales, and establishes that probationers must contribute $30-$65 per month (previously $30-$50) with court-ordered exemptions for hardship cases.

Changes approval criteria for private probation entities to require Missouri corporate registration, submission of policies and procedures, and that supervision staff possess a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or equivalent experience plus state alcohol/drug counselor or criminal justice addictions professional certification.