MO HB166

Establishes a two-year pilot project beginning January 1, 2014, to increase children ages newborn to 17 access to incarcerated mothers who retain parental rights, excluding mothers convicted of crimes against children or child abuse.

Pilot covers two women's prison facilities in Vandalia and Chillicothe, with the Department of Corrections and Children's Division collaborating to provide monthly transportation for children and caretakers to visit mothers or implement alternative visitation methods.

Program focuses on children living 50 or more miles from the facility where their mothers are incarcerated.

Departments may promulgate rules to implement the program, which shall be funded from existing appropriations or specifically appropriated moneys.

Directors of the Department of Corrections and Children's Division must jointly report to the governor and general assembly by February 1, 2017, on program efficacy, costs, and recommendations for statewide expansion.