MS HB1089

Establishes mental health diversion pilot programs in six designated Mississippi circuit court districts (Second, Third, Eighth, Twelfth, Seventeenth, and Twentieth) to divert defendants with mental illnesses from traditional criminal prosecution into court-supervised treatment.

Sets eligibility criteria excluding participants with violent crime convictions within 10 years, pending violent crime charges, DUI-related deaths, or trafficking convictions, while allowing participation for burglary and other non-violent offenses.

Requires pilot programs to use evidence-based practices, risk and needs assessments, ongoing judicial monitoring, and collect monthly data on participation numbers, success rates, new arrests, and violations for reporting to the Administrative Office of Courts.

Provides record expungement for participants who successfully complete all program requirements including treatment and fees, and grants civil immunity to program staff acting in good faith.

Requires notice to minors under 21 who are arrested and released that they may call a parent or guardian and that drug court and pretrial diversion programs may be available.