MS SB2029

Circuit court judges may establish Veterans Treatment Court programs either as separate courts or components of existing drug courts, serving veterans from all counties within the circuit court district.

Eligible defendants must be verified U.S. Armed Forces veterans with prosecutor consent; excluded are those charged with crimes of violence, those unwilling to participate in treatment, and those with prior felony convictions for violent crimes.

State Drug Court Advisory Committee develops statewide rules and policies for Veterans Treatment Courts and acts as arbiter for disputes; Administrative Office of Courts oversees compliance and may revoke program authorization.

Veterans Treatment Court programs may receive gifts, donations, grants, and contracts, with funds retained annually rather than reverting to the general fund.

Staff members of Veterans Treatment Court programs are granted civil liability immunity for good-faith performance of duties and reasonable exercise of discretion in determining program eligibility.