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Bill > HB385


KY HB385

KY HB385
AN ACT relating to mental capacity.


summary

Introduced
01/25/2024
In Committee
03/21/2024
Crossed Over
02/22/2024
Passed
03/28/2024
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/09/2024

Introduced Session

2024 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Amends KRS 311.631, relating to living wills and advance directives, to include an adult friend as an individual authorized to make health care decisions on behalf of a patient who lacks decisional capacity; amends KRS 504.060 to define “examiner” and “secretary”; amends KRS 504.070 to allow a defendant to introduce evidence of an intellectual disability bearing on the issue of guilt, punishment, or both, and to require, if a court orders an examination of the defendant’s mental condition, that the condition be reported to the court; amends KRS 504.080 to establish reasons the court may order an examination of the defendant’s mental health, to establish criteria for the examination, to establish what the court may order if the examiner concludes the defendant needs an inpatient examination, to establish that the examiner shall submit a report regarding the defendant’s mental health, to establish that the examiner’s report shall be placed under seal with a notice of filing, and to establish that the court shall schedule a status conference or a hearing within 30 days of the filing of the report; amends KRS 504.100 to establish that the court shall order the defendant to be examined for his or her mental condition if the court has reasonable grounds to believe the defendant is incompetent to stand trial and to require that the court schedule a status conference or a hearing within 30 days after the filing of the report; amends KRS 504.110 to conform; and provides that the Act may be cited as Seth’s Law.

AI Summary

This bill amends several provisions related to mental capacity and competency in the criminal justice system in Kentucky. Key changes include: - Adding an adult friend as an authorized decision-maker for health care decisions on behalf of a patient who lacks decisional capacity. - Allowing a defendant to introduce evidence of an intellectual disability related to the issue of guilt, punishment, or both. - Establishing procedures for the court to order a mental health examination of a defendant, including requirements for the examiner's report and timeline for the court to hold a status conference or hearing. - Requiring the court to order a mental health examination if it has reasonable grounds to believe the defendant is incompetent to stand trial, and setting timelines for the court to hold a hearing on the defendant's competency. - Making other conforming changes to the laws related to mental capacity and competency in the criminal justice system. The bill may be cited as "Seth's Law".

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 138) (on 04/09/2024)

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