SB 1936 Summary

• Amends insanity defense procedures by requiring persons acquitted on insanity grounds to undergo psychiatric examination by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services before discharge from custody.

• Establishes a 45-day timeline for psychiatric evaluation by two qualified psychiatrists or clinical psychologists, followed by a court hearing to determine if the person is presently dangerous or requires continued supervision.

• Creates a Forensic Review Board (7 members appointed by Governor) to recommend therapeutic visits, conditional release, or discharge for individuals acquitted by reason of insanity.

• Adds a five-year mandatory continued supervision period for persons acquitted on insanity grounds for violent crimes as defined in Section 571 of Title 57, with potential for additional five-year extensions.

• Effective November 1, 2012.