HI HB786

Require the Department of Health to submit a report on improving and expediting mental health evaluations of defendants to the Legislature no later than twenty days before the 2020 Regular Session convenes.

Report must include proposed legislation ensuring courts and the Department of Health consider all relevant information (including time needed for treatment and examination) when determining return dates for fitness re-examination hearing results.

Proposed legislation must encourage courts and the Department of Health to minimize continuances and delays in cases where examination findings indicate the defendant is fit to proceed.

Report must include data on length of time persons with non-capital charges held in custody awaiting judicial determination of fitness under one-panel examination procedures.

Report shall include any additional data the Department of Health considers relevant to mental health evaluations of defendants.