FL S0822

Expands forensic services to defendants charged with misdemeanors in addition to felonies, requiring the Department of Children and Family Services and Agency for Persons with Disabilities to establish separate secure facilities for treatment or training.

Amends definitions of "defendant" and "department" to include individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses who are found incompetent to proceed or acquitted by reason of insanity due to mental illness, mental retardation, or autism.

Updates involuntary commitment criteria for defendants with mental illness or developmental disabilities to apply uniformly to those charged with misdemeanor or felony offenses, with commitment decisions based on clear and convincing evidence of dangerousness or grave disability.

Maintains existing protections requiring courts to find that less restrictive treatment alternatives are inappropriate and that there is substantial probability the defendant will regain competency in the reasonably foreseeable future before commitment.

Takes effect July 1, 2010.