MS HB224

Amends Mississippi Code Section 9-23-15 to clarify that the court having jurisdiction over a person has final authority to determine whether that person may participate in drug court.

Maintains existing eligibility criteria for drug court participation, including prohibitions on participants with violent felony convictions, pending violent crime charges, or current burglary charges.

Prohibits participation in drug court for individuals charged with drug distribution, sale, possession with intent to distribute, production, manufacture, or cultivation of controlled substances, or those with prior convictions for these offenses.

Requires participants to undergo chemical testing as specified by the drug court and be liable for testing costs, though judges may waive fees if testing is available from other sources or the program itself.

Takes effect July 1, 2011.