Bill > SB2355

This bill, titled the "Intervention Courts; Bring Forward Code Sections Related To," aims to consolidate and update existing laws concerning various specialized court programs in Mississippi. It brings forward and reaffirms provisions related to the Alyce Griffin Clarke Intervention Court Act, which focuses on drug and alcohol addiction, and the Rivers McGraw Mental Health Treatment Court Act, designed to address the needs of defendants with mental illnesses. The bill also incorporates sections establishing the Drug Court Fund and creating Veteran Treatment Courts, ensuring these programs are recognized and can be amended. Key provisions include defining what constitutes an "intervention court" as a problem-solving court involving mental health and substance abuse professionals, judicial monitoring, and evidence-based practices. The bill also details the certification and monitoring responsibilities of the Administrative Office of Courts for these specialized courts, outlines eligibility criteria for participants, and establishes guidelines for data collection and reporting to ensure program effectiveness and accountability. It also clarifies the funding mechanisms for these courts, allowing for various sources of revenue and establishing local intervention court funds. Finally, the bill grants immunity from civil liability to staff of these intervention courts for good-faith actions and omissions in providing services.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2355.xml