Bill
Bill > SB2744
MS SB2744
MS SB2744Mental health treatment court; provide clear authorization for, revise eligibility for.
summary
Introduced
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
In Committee
01/19/2026
01/19/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An Act To Amend Section 9-27-5, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Define The Term "court" Or "mental Health Treatment Court"; To Amend Section 9-27-7, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Authorize The Presiding Judge Of Any Circuit, County Or Municipal Court To Establish A Mental Health Treatment Court; To Authorize A Mental Health Treatment Court To Operate Within An Existing Court Or Intervention Court; To Provide That Subject To Appropriation By The Legislature A Mental Health Treatment Court Shall Operate Using A Multidisciplinary Team; To Amend Section 9-27-11, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Revise The Eligibility Requirements Of A Mental Health Treatment Court; To Amend Section 9-27-19, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Authorize The Court To Impose Sanction Or Terminate The Participation Of The Offender And Refer The Case To The Court Of Origin To Resume Criminal Proceedings If The Participant Fails To Comply With The Requirements Of A Mental Health Treatment Court; To Bring Forward Sections 9-27-1, 9-27-3, 9-27-9, 9-27-13, 9-27-15, 9-27-17 And 9-27-21, Mississippi Code Of 1972, Which Are The Remaining Provision Within Chapter 27 Of Title 9, For Possible Amendment; And For Related Purposes.
AI Summary
This bill amends Mississippi law to provide clearer authorization and revise eligibility for mental health treatment courts, which are specialized court programs designed to help defendants with mental health disorders. The bill defines "court" or "mental health treatment court" as a program authorized within a circuit, county, or municipal court, and allows these courts to operate within existing court structures. It also mandates that these courts operate using a multidisciplinary team, which includes professionals like judges, attorneys, mental health experts, and probation officers, provided funding is appropriated by the Legislature. Eligibility for these programs is revised to focus on offenders with a diagnosed serious mental illness or co-occurring disorders where the mental illness contributed to the offense and the offender is amenable to treatment, while still considering public safety and criminal history. The bill also clarifies that if a participant fails to comply with the court's requirements, the court can impose sanctions, terminate their participation, and refer the case back to the original court for standard criminal proceedings.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Died In Committee (on 02/03/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2744.xml |
| BillText | https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2026/html/SB/2700-2799/SB2744IN.htm |
Loading...