MS SB2286

Creates the Forensic Mental Health Act of 2018 to ensure constitutional protections for people with mental health concerns involved in the criminal justice system.

Requires the Department of Mental Health to develop training standards for psychiatrists and psychologists performing mental examinations of criminal defendants and maintain a published list of certified providers.

Amends Section 99-13-11 to clarify that circuit or county courts may order mental examinations for persons charged with felonies (not just indicted persons) on motion by the defendant, district attorney, or court.

Amends Section 41-21-63 to allow circuit courts to refer persons deemed incompetent to stand trial and unrestorable to competency to chancery court for civil commitment procedures, with notice requirements to sheriffs, district attorneys, and crime victims before release.

Amends Section 41-21-65 to clarify that court orders for incompetency findings serve as an alternative to affidavits for commitment procedures in cases with unresolved felony charges.