- Committee -

SCS/SB 530 - This act requires the placement in the Marshall Habilitation Center of certain persons acquitted by reason of mental disease or defect. Section 552.040 currently deals with the placement of such persons. Upon acquittal, the court must order them into the custody of the Director of the Department of Mental Health. New language provides that all persons committed for this reason will be kept in a "secure facility". The definition of "secure facility" is changed to include Marshall Habilitation Center. A provision is also added to allow a parent or guardian of the committed person to appeal any transfer to Marshall Habilitation Center to either the Missouri Advisory Council on Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities or to the regional council having jurisdiction over the committed person.

ERIN MOTLEY