MO SB118

Veterans treatment courts may be established by circuit courts or combinations of circuit courts to handle cases involving substance abuse or mental health issues of military veterans and current military personnel, including reserves and national guard members.

Courts establishing veterans treatment courts must create referral conditions and enter memorandums of understanding with prosecutors specifying which felony offenses are ineligible for the program.

Cases may be transferred between jurisdictions based on participant residence or unavailability of local veterans courts, with transfers requiring agreement from the defendant, their attorney, both transferring and receiving judges, and both prosecutors.

Treatment referrals shall be made through Department of Defense health care, Veterans Administration, or state or federal-funded community-based programs certified by the Missouri Department of Mental Health.

Statements and reports from program participation are inadmissible as evidence in criminal, juvenile, or civil proceedings, though program termination may be considered at sentencing; successful completion may result in charges being dismissed, reduced, or modified.