WA HB1359

Establishes a 26-member task force to review and modernize Washington's criminal insanity and competency to stand trial laws (Chapter 10.77 RCW), with members representing courts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, state agencies, mental health advocates, and individuals with lived experience in the forensic mental health system

Task force must examine barriers to administration, public safety, consistency, and fairness; consider terminology changes to reduce stigma and improve understanding; and recommend law changes to remove barriers to diversion and facilitate safe hospital discharges

Report with findings and recommendations due to the governor and legislature by December 1, 2026, with the task force expiring December 31, 2026

Directs the code reviser to reorganize Chapter 10.77 RCW into logical sections (Definitions, General Provisions, Criminal Insanity, Competency to Stand Trial, etc.) and decodifies five obsolete statutory provisions

Contingent on specific funding being provided in the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025; effective date July 27, 2025