Bill > SB5444

This bill aims to provide timely competency evaluations and restoration services to individuals suffering from behavioral health disorders within the forensic mental health care system, consistent with the requirements of the Trueblood settlement agreement. The key provisions include: 1) Allowing courts to appoint forensic navigators to assist individuals referred for competency evaluation, including helping them access diversion and community outpatient competency restoration services. 2) Authorizing courts to order defendants to receive either inpatient or outpatient competency restoration, with specific eligibility criteria and monitoring requirements for outpatient restoration. 3) Amending existing laws to provide more flexibility in the length and type of competency restoration services ordered, while still maintaining reasonable timeframes. 4) Requiring the Department of Corrections to certify available capacity before courts can order outpatient competency restoration. The overall intent is to reform the state's forensic mental health system to better meet the needs of this population and comply with federal court orders, while engaging a range of stakeholders to address public safety concerns.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Justice

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5444&year=2019