MS HR81

Recognizes and commends the Mississippi Drug Court Program, which began after Senate Bill 2605 was signed into law and took effect July 1, 2003.

Notes that approximately 38 drug courts across the state have produced more than 1,583 graduates who have successfully reintegrated into society since the first drug court began in Ridgeland Municipal Court in 1995.

States that drug courts save Mississippi taxpayers an estimated $100,000 per day by providing treatment and counseling as alternatives to incarceration.

Identifies key components of drug court programs including drug testing, nonadversarial defendant-court relationships, treatment referrals, frequent monitoring of abstinence, and coordination among drug courts and community organizations.

Directs copies of the resolution be furnished to the Administrative Office of Courts of the Mississippi Supreme Court, each drug court around the state, and the Capitol Press Corps.