NY A02322

Expands the definition of "appropriate institution" for competency restoration to include mental health units operating within local correctional facilities, in addition to state hospitals and licensed psychiatric units

Creates a voluntary opt-in program allowing counties to provide competency restoration services to incarcerated individuals deemed unfit for trial, either directly or through contracted providers

Requires jail-based restoration providers to have at least two years of experience in jail settings and use multidisciplinary teams including psychiatric providers, forensic examiners, and competency educators

Mandates participating counties designate separate jail space for the program, ensure participant safety, supply appropriate psychoactive medications, and establish agreements with hospitals for court-ordered medication enforcement

Limits jail-based restoration to 90 days, after which defendants not restored to fitness but still deemed restorable must be transferred to a state-operated facility