MO HB73

Repeals and replaces sections 478.001, 478.003, and 478.005 of Missouri law and adds new section 478.008 relating to drug courts and veterans treatment courts.

Allows drug court commissioners to serve in counties other than the county where they are appointed, upon agreement by the presiding judge and assignment by the Supreme Court.

Removes the requirement that defendants accepted by drug courts must be nonviolent persons, instead allowing circuit courts to establish their own referral conditions.

Establishes veterans treatment courts as an alternative judicial disposal option for cases stemming from substance abuse or mental illness of military veterans or current military personnel, combining judicial supervision, drug testing, and mental health treatment.

Permits veterans treatment courts to refer participants to Department of Defense health care, Veterans Administration, or certified community-based treatment programs, with charges potentially dismissed, reduced, or modified upon successful program completion.