SB117 Summary

• Grants the Department of Mental Health a right of appeal to the Court of Criminal Appeals when a court denies its petition to release a defendant adjudicated not guilty by reason of insanity or mental disease or defect.

• Permits the defendant to also appeal orders denying their release to the Court of Criminal Appeals.

• Updates terminology throughout the mental health commitment statutes by replacing outdated language such as "forthwith" with "released" and changing "mental retardation" references to align with current terminology.

• Clarifies procedures for hearings on release petitions, conditional release conditions (medication, treatment, drug testing, activity restrictions), and court authority to modify or remove release conditions.

• Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.