JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri House of Representatives today built upon the legacy of Democratic U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill by passing legislation to expand and improve the state’s system of special treatment courts. McCaskill spearheaded the creation of Missouri’s first drug treatment court in 1993 while serving as Jackson County prosecuting attorney.
“Missouri’s drug courts are an enduring example of the policies Senator McCaskill has worked to implement during her long career that enjoy strong bipartisan support,” said Assistant House Minority Leader Gina Mitten, D-St. Louis. “It is a testament to her leadership that the Republican-controlled House today built upon Senator McCaskill’s legacy by expanding the Missouri’s treatment court system.”
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Jackson County drug court, which in addition to being the first in Missouri was among the first dozen in the nation. Because of her role in creating the Jackson County drug court, the Missouri Association of Treatment Court Professionals’ annual award for extraordinary leadership and distinguished service in field is called the Claire McCaskill Award.
House Bill 2 expands Missouri’s treatment court system to all Missouri counties. The House granted preliminary approval to the measure on a voice vote. A final vote is expected later today to send HB 2 to the Senate.
“In an era of political polarization, it is heartening to see a Republican governor and Republican-controlled legislature continue the work Senator McCaskill pioneered by making it a priority worthy of a special session,” said state Rep. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City.
