Bill > S08813

This bill amends New York's criminal procedure and mental hygiene laws to improve the process for individuals whose cases are terminated due to mental disease or defect, meaning their legal proceedings are halted because they are found to have a mental condition that prevents them from participating in their own defense or understanding the charges against them. Specifically, it modifies how institutions handle discharge planning for these individuals, requiring them to make referrals to appropriate outpatient services if clinically indicated and if the individual is eligible and consents, rather than a blanket referral to the closest agency. Additionally, the bill establishes new reporting obligations for the Office of Mental Health, mandating that they annually post data on their website regarding defendants committed for observation, including originating counties, designated institutions, and outcomes such as inpatient admission rates, length of stay, and referral information for those observed in both state-operated and non-state-operated hospitals.

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8813