HB 3417 defines and establishes specialized treatment courts (including adult, DWI, family, juvenile, mental health, and veterans courts) to address substance use or mental health disorders among defendants. It requires circuit courts to create these divisions by a specific deadline, mandating referrals to state-certified treatment programs unless none exist locally. The bill specifies that successful completion of treatment can lead to dismissed, reduced, or modified charges, with fees paid to treatment providers not classified as court costs. It directly affects defendants with substance use or mental health disorders in criminal cases, as well as courts and treatment providers operating within the system.
SB 1745 creates Missouri’s "Critical Incident Stress Management Program" within the Department of Public Safety, directly serving police officers and first responders. It requires these personnel to complete a mental health check-in with program providers every 3-5 years to address stress from critical incidents (like traumatic events causing intense fear or helplessness). The bill protects the confidentiality of disclosures during these check-ins, with limited exceptions for preventing harm or under mandatory reporting laws. It also establishes a dedicated "988 Public Safety Fund" to pay for these services, ensuring funds cannot revert to general revenue and must be used solely for mental health support for first responders.
HB 3488 requires public and charter schools serving grades 7-12 to develop suicide and self-harm prevention policies by 2027, including strategies to identify at-risk students and protocols for responding to crises. Starting July 1, 2025, schools must print the national suicide lifeline number (988) and local police nonemergency numbers on student ID cards, with optional inclusion of text line codes (741741) or local hotlines. By 2027, schools must establish mandatory reporting procedures for staff to alert designated personnel about students at risk of suicide or self-harm, requiring immediate parental notification and risk assessments before releasing students. The bill also mandates the education department to create and periodically update a model prevention policy by 2021, incorporating school feedback.
HB 3540 creates a voluntary mental wellness program called "Journaling for Joy" for school districts and charter schools. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, it allows schools to implement the program for students in third, sixth, and twelfth grades using approved curriculum that includes journaling workbooks, instructor guides, and structured prompts focused on emotional regulation and conflict resolution - without providing therapy or collecting identifiable mental health data. Schools must train teachers using department-approved materials, and the education department will track participation and non-identifiable outcomes like school climate through annual reports. The program expires on August 28, 2033, and requires annual state funding approval for implementation.
HB 3305 requires public and charter schools serving grades 7-12 to implement suicide prevention training for educators and mental health awareness for students. Starting in 2023-24, school districts must provide at least two hours of annual suicide prevention training for all teachers and staff, including specific instruction on the Columbia Protocol (C-SSRS) and a virtual mental health tool by 2027-28. The bill also mandates that student ID cards display the 988 suicide lifeline number starting July 2025. Additionally, it requires high school students (grades 9-12) to receive mental health awareness instruction integrated into existing health or physical education courses beginning 2022-23. These provisions directly affect all public and charter schools, educators, and students in participating districts.
SB 1682 allows veterans and first responders aged 21+ with specific conditions (PTSD, major depression, substance use disorder, or end-of-life care needs) to legally use psilocybin for therapeutic purposes under strict conditions. It requires a doctor's certification, a trained facilitator present during use, lab testing of the substance, and limits to 150mg of psilocybin per month. The bill also allocates $2 million for research and shields healthcare providers from liability for following these rules. This is limited to therapeutic use only, not general legalization, and applies only to those enrolled in approved studies.
SB 1731 establishes Missouri's "Critical Incident Stress Management Program" within the Department of Public Safety to support peace officers and first responders. The bill requires these personnel to complete a mental health check-in with program providers every 3-5 years, with confidentiality protections for disclosures (except in limited cases like preventing harm or under mandatory reporting laws). It creates a dedicated "988 Public Safety Fund" using state appropriations to cover program costs, including services like consultation, risk assessment, and crisis intervention. The fund's remaining balance at biennium end cannot revert to general revenue, ensuring sustained funding for mental health support. This bill directly affects law enforcement and first responders by mandating regular mental health check-ins and funding targeted support for trauma related to critical incidents.
HB 3313 establishes court-ordered outpatient mental health treatment for adults with severe mental disorders who cannot make informed treatment decisions and face a risk of serious harm. It directly affects individuals meeting strict criteria: aged 18+, suffering from a mental disorder, unable to seek voluntary treatment, and at risk of deterioration or harm due to past non-compliance or violent behavior. The law creates a process where mental health providers, guardians, or health agencies can petition a court for treatment, requiring a hearing within two days, clear evidence of eligibility, and appointed legal representation for the affected person. Key provisions include defining "assisted outpatient treatment" (covering case management, therapy, medication, and crisis services) and mandating that courts approve such treatment only when less restrictive options have failed.
HCR 43 is a non-binding resolution urging Missouri state agencies to improve coordination on addiction treatment. It formally recognizes addiction as a chronic disease and asks health, mental health, housing, and criminal justice agencies to work together more effectively. The resolution specifically calls for better data sharing, expanded access to prevention and treatment services, and stronger partnerships with community organizations. It does not create new programs or funding but directs agencies to align their efforts with evidence-based approaches for addiction care. This resolution directly affects Missouri state agencies responsible for health and social services.
SB 1592 would create a tax credit allowing businesses or individuals to reduce their state tax liability by a portion of their contributions to designated prevention resource centers. These centers likely focus on community prevention services (like health or safety programs), though the bill doesn't specify their exact scope. The credit would directly affect taxpayers making qualifying donations, potentially encouraging financial support for these centers. The bill is currently pending review by the Senate Economic and Workforce Development Committee and has not yet been enacted.
