CA SB955

Establishes compassionate release provisions for defendants committed to state hospitals for incompetence to stand trial, mental disorder, or not guilty by reason of insanity, mirroring existing compassionate release rules for state prisoners.

Allows courts to suspend commitments and release patients who are terminally ill (death expected within 6 months) or permanently medically incapacitated requiring 24-hour care, if release does not pose a threat to public safety.

Requires the State Department of State Hospitals to notify patients, obtain consent, arrange family notification, and provide discharge plans verifying post-release placement before release occurs.

Mandates courts hold noticed hearings within 10 days of a compassionate release recommendation and requires medical records be sent to district attorneys, public defenders, and parole boards as applicable.

Allows suspended commitment orders to be reinstated if the patient's condition changes and they pose a threat to public safety or no longer meet compassionate release criteria.