MS HB182

Amends Section 9-25-1 of the Mississippi Code to authorize municipal court judges to establish Municipal Veterans Treatment Courts in municipalities that already operate a municipal drug court.

Allows municipal court judges to establish the Municipal Veterans Treatment Court as a separate program or as a component of an existing intervention court program, and to accept veteran participants referred from any justice court or municipal court within the county.

Maintains existing eligibility requirements including state attorney consent, proof of United States Armed Forces veteran status, exclusion for crimes of violence and prior felony convictions of violent crimes, and required willingness to participate in treatment.

Permits the Administrative Office of Courts to certify, monitor, and revoke authorization of Municipal Veterans Treatment Court programs, and authorizes the State Intervention Court Advisory Committee to develop statewide rules and policies.

Becomes effective July 1, 2024.