MS HB1496

Requires each circuit court in Mississippi to establish a certified intervention court by July 1, 2027.

Amends Section 9-23-9 to direct the State Intervention Courts Advisory Committee to develop a plan ensuring all circuit courts have an intervention court by the July 1, 2027 deadline.

Brings forward Sections 9-23-17, 9-25-1, and 9-27-7 of the Mississippi Code to establish authority and standards for the Administrative Office of Courts regarding intervention court certification, veterans treatment courts, and mental health court standards.

Authorizes circuit court judges to establish Veterans Treatment Courts as either separate programs or components of existing intervention courts, with specific eligibility requirements and exclusions for violent crime offenses.

Effective July 1, 2024.