The average number of people awaiting placement by the Missouri Department of Mental Health in psychiatric hospitals for treatment to allow them to stand trial has steadily increased, nearing 500 in October (Caspar Benson\/Getty Images).<\/p>\n
State lawmakers are seeking solutions to a growing backlog of jailed Missourians awaiting help from the Missouri Department of Mental Health to move their cases forward.<\/span><\/p>\n These Missourians have been charged but not convicted of crimes, and they were found incompetent to stand trial due to mental health disorders or cognitive disabilities. State law requires the department to provide services and treatment to help them. But in October, the average number of people on the waitlist reached a new high of 487.<\/span><\/p>\n Several bills filed ahead of the 2026 legislative session seek to reduce the backlog or build out options to get treatment for people with serious mental illnesses outside of jail. Some stakeholders say the bills have loopholes, but their sponsors maintain they will amp up discussion between lawmakers and the department about the roots of the problem and how the legislature can help.<\/span><\/p>\n Two bills add requirements or consequences for the department. State Rep. Jeff Vernetti, a Republican from Camdenton, filed a <\/span>bill<\/span><\/a> that would require the department to reimburse jails for housing people on the waitlist at a rate of $200 per person, per day, as well as the cost of medication.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n