Bill > HB3370

This bill modifies provisions related to court-ordered treatment by establishing new programs and procedures for both substance use disorders and mental health conditions. For first-time felony offenders with a substance use disorder, circuit and associate circuit courts will offer a "treatment court program" where charges can be dismissed upon successful completion, provided associated costs are paid. This program is intended to be utilized before a plea is entered. The bill also expands the use of treatment courts for defendants in criminal cases, allowing judges to order participation prior to sentencing, as a condition of probation, or upon a motion to revoke probation, especially if the new offender program isn't used. It also permits treatment courts to accept participants from other jurisdictions and clarifies that medication-assisted treatment for opioid or other substance misuse is permissible and will not be a violation of treatment court terms. Furthermore, the bill introduces "assisted outpatient treatment" (AOT), which is court-ordered involuntary outpatient mental health care provided under a treatment plan developed and monitored by a mental health professional. A petition for AOT can be filed by various healthcare providers, guardians, or government agencies if a person is 18 or older, suffers from a mental illness, will not voluntarily seek treatment, and is unable to make informed decisions about their care. This treatment is ordered if it's necessary to prevent deterioration that could lead to serious harm, or if the individual has a history of non-compliance leading to hospitalization, institutionalization, or violent behavior. The bill outlines the procedures for filing petitions, conducting hearings with legal representation for the respondent, and the criteria for issuing AOT orders, which can last up to two years. It also details the role of case managers, procedures for extending AOT, and consequences for non-compliance, including potential hospitalization. Finally, the bill mandates an annual report from the office of state courts administrator on the use and impact of assisted outpatient treatment.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB3370&year=2026&code=R