Requires a court to offer and utilize a treatment court program to address a substance use disorder prior to a defendant entering a plea in court

HB 1467 requires courts to offer and use treatment court programs for first-time felony offenders with a substance use disorder *before* they decide whether to plead guilty. If participants complete the program (and pay associated costs), their charges are dismissed. The bill mandates regular progress reviews by a treatment team and ensures participants cannot be penalized for using medication-assisted treatment (like methadone) for opioid dependence. It directly affects first-time felony offenders with substance use disorders who would otherwise face standard criminal charges.