MS HB1140

Requires drug courts to collect and report data on total applications for screening by race, gender, offense charged, and indigence status, along with reasons for non-acceptance of applicants.

Expands drug court eligibility to include offenders convicted of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling under Section 97-17-23(1), which was previously excluded as a crime of violence.

Establishes a reentry supervision mechanism allowing offenders released from custody who need specialized reentry assistance to meet with the senior circuit judge, district attorney representative, and public defender to determine eligibility for drug court, veteran's court, mental health court, or similar problem-solving courts.

Requires that any person meeting drug court eligibility criteria must be screened for admission upon request, and allows waiver of testing fees for indigent applicants.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.