MN SF3347

Establishes forensic navigator services to assist adult defendants with mental illness and cognitive impairments in each judicial district upon competency motions under Minnesota Rule of Criminal Procedure 20.01.

Requires forensic navigators to develop bridge plans with defendants, coordinate competency restoration program placement, provide restoration education, and help defendants access mental health, housing, transportation, and other community services.

Mandates forensic navigators meet at least quarterly with defendants and may continue outreach for up to 90 days after charge dismissal to help defendants attain community stability.

Requires counties to adopt a competency restoration curriculum by January 1, 2023, that enables defendants to rationally consult with counsel, understand proceedings, and participate in their defense.

Appropriates $2,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2023 and establishes a general fund base of $2,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, distributed to counties based on their proportional share of incompetent-to-stand-trial defendants.