House Bill 140 Summary

• Establishes procedures for competency examinations of juveniles in delinquency proceedings, including appointment of psychiatrists, psychologists, or evaluation committees within 2 business days of court order.

• Defines juvenile competency as having sufficient ability to consult with counsel, rational understanding of proceedings, and capacity to assist in defense preparation.

• Requires written competency reports within 30 days addressing cognitive functioning, adaptive functioning, clinical functioning, forensic comprehension, and effort; if incompetent, must include prognosis and restoration recommendations.

• Mandates court hearing within 30 days of examiner report; if juvenile is incompetent but restorable within 6 months, court orders treatment plan with restoration review hearings every 90 days; if not restorable within 6 months, court dismisses charges and convenes screening team for alternative services.

• Protects statements made during competency examination or restoration treatment from admission in delinquency or criminal proceedings, except for impeachment purposes or issues of ability to assist counsel and specific intent.