MS SB2821

Brings forward sections 9-23-1 through 9-23-23 of the Alyce Griffin Clarke Intervention Court Act, establishing standards for drug courts, mental health courts, and veterans courts with certification requirements by the Administrative Office of Courts.

Requires intervention courts to use evidence-based practices including risk and needs assessments, target medium to high-risk offenders, conduct frequent alcohol and drug testing, and maintain judicial oversight with monthly data reporting.

Establishes eligibility criteria excluding participants with prior violent crime convictions, pending violent crime charges, or trafficking convictions; allows courts to waive fees for indigent participants.

Creates the Drug Court Fund in the State Treasury from assessments and other sources to provide supplemental funding to adult and juvenile drug courts throughout the state.

Brings forward sections establishing Veterans Treatment Courts at the circuit court level for military veterans with mental health or substance abuse issues, and the Rivers McGraw Mental Health Treatment Court Act with similar evidence-based requirements and data collection protocols.