MS SB2503

Brings forward sections 9-23-1 through 9-23-23 (Alyce Griffin Clarke Intervention Court Act) with a nonsubstantive technical revision to Section 9-23-11 regarding certification processes for drug courts, mental health courts, veterans courts, and problem-solving courts.

Brings forward Section 9-23-51 establishing the Drug Court Fund in the State Treasury to provide supplemental funding to juvenile and adult drug courts from legislative appropriations, federal funds, and assessments.

Brings forward Section 9-25-1 authorizing circuit court judges to establish Veterans Treatment Court programs at the circuit court level for veterans with felony charges, with eligibility requirements and treatment provisions similar to drug courts.

Brings forward Sections 9-27-1 through 9-27-11 and 9-27-15 through 9-27-21 (Rivers McGraw Mental Health Treatment Court Act) with a minor nonsubstantive change to Section 9-27-13 regarding certification and oversight of mental health treatment courts.

Makes technical amendments to certification schedules and data collection requirements for all intervention courts and requires the Administrative Office of Courts to establish uniform certification processes with evidence-based standards for all specialized court programs; effective July 1, 2025.