Sub. S. B. No. 58 Summary

• Amends competency evaluation and mental health treatment procedures for defendants in criminal cases by modifying sections 2945.37, 2945.371, 2945.38, and 2945.39 of the Revised Code.

• Allows competency evaluations to be conducted through electronic means and restricts courts from ordering defendants held in hospital evaluations unless charged with felonies, offenses of violence, or in need of immediate hospitalization.

• Requires the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to obtain court approval and inform prosecutors within 48 hours before placing incompetent defendants, and mandates courts consider housing and supportive services availability when determining placement.

• Establishes time limits for treatment: one year for serious offenses (murder, aggravated murder, violent felonies), six months for other felonies, 60 days for first or second-degree misdemeanors, and 30 days for lower-level misdemeanors.

• Appropriates $250,000 for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for guardianship costs related to the new competency procedures.