Senate Bill 2794 Summary

• Converts all drug courts in Mississippi into "problem-solving courts" to encompass drug courts, mental health courts, veterans' courts, and other specialized problem-solving courts.

• Renames the State Drug Courts Advisory Committee to the State Problem-Solving Courts Advisory Committee and expands its membership to include representatives from mental health, veterans affairs, and other agencies; adds one member in recovery or remission from addiction or mental illness appointed by the Governor.

• Requires problem-solving courts to collect and report detailed metadata including participant demographics (race, gender, offenses charged, indigence status), screening results, and reasons for non-acceptance.

• Mandates waiver of fees for indigent applicants seeking to participate in problem-solving courts, including testing fees and program participation fees.

• Requires attorneys practicing in problem-solving courts to complete annual training approved by the State Problem-Solving Courts Advisory Committee and the Mississippi Commission on Continuing Legal Education.

• Expands the Rivers McGraw Mental Health Diversion Program from a pilot program to a permanent program available statewide, with conforming changes to eligibility and operational requirements.

• Effective July 1, 2019.