Bill A4451 Summary

• Makes Kendra's Law permanent by removing the June 30, 2027 expiration date that would have caused the assisted outpatient treatment program to expire and be repealed.

• Expands the criteria for assisted outpatient treatment by allowing courts to order continued treatment within 60 days of a previous order's expiration without meeting the standard 36-month or 48-month history requirements.

• Requires the commissioner to develop educational pamphlets explaining the assisted outpatient treatment petition process and criteria for distribution to individuals seeking to file or report petitions.

• Enhances oversight and monitoring procedures by requiring program coordinators to review clinical needs prior to order expiration, track relocated assisted outpatients across counties, and ensure timely delivery of court-ordered services.

• Requires hospital directors and correctional facility officials to assess incarcerated individuals for assisted outpatient treatment criteria prior to discharge and either petition for court orders or report to community services directors for investigation.