MS HB423

Establishes a legal presumption that persons acquitted by reason of insanity continue to be mentally ill and dangerous, which can only be overcome by clear and convincing evidence presented at a court hearing

Requires court approval for any release of a person committed to a state psychiatric hospital following an insanity acquittal, removing the facility director's discretion to discharge such patients

Mandates notification to the sheriff of the county where the offense occurred, the sheriff of the destination county, and the crime victim or immediate family member before any release

Assigns the original committing court responsibility for conducting hearings to determine whether the committed person has been restored to sanity and is no longer dangerous

Amends existing mental health facility discharge procedures to exempt insanity acquittees from standard discharge protocols available to other civilly committed patients