BILL · 2015–16 SESSION · LATEST VERSION 2E2SSB 5177
SB 5177: Forensic mental hlth srvices
Improving timeliness of competency evaluation and restoration services. (REVISED FOR ENGROSSED: Concerning forensic mental health services. )
Summary
Encourages the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to develop alternative locations for competency restoration services for persons who do not need inpatient hospitalization, and allows restoration services in a city or county jail under certain conditions during the 2015-17 biennium.
Requires clerks, prosecuting attorneys, and local jails to provide certain documentation and information to the state hospital within 24 hours of the signing of a court order for competency evaluation or restoration services.
Requires local jails to cooperate with the DSHS to arrange for timely and appropriate access to defendants for the purpose of performing competency evaluations and to provide timely transportation of a defendant offered admission for competency evaluation or restoration services.
Provides that competency restoration treatment time periods include only the time the defendant is at the treatment facility and do not include reasonable time for transport.
Extends the expiration date of a statute that provides for state reimbursement to counties for the costs of appointing competency evaluators for in-custody defendants, and expands the grounds under which a county may seek reimbursement.
Allows a prosecutor in a case where competency to stand trial is at issue to dismiss the case and refer the defendant for evaluation for mental health, substance use, or developmental disability services.
From the Second Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill Report (2E2SSB 5177), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
EnactedEnacted · Chapter 7, Laws of 2015, 1st Special Session
AN ACT Relating to improving timeliness of competency evaluation and restoration services, by clarifying alternative locations for the provision of competency restoration services and defining time periods of commitment;