Bill Caption

Fiscal Notes

Bill Analysis

Summary: Interested parties have expressed concern that, while the Department of State Health Services increased bed capacity to accommodate the restoration of competency patients, there is and will continue to be significant costs to the state to pay for additional beds either at state hospitals or by contracting with private facilities. SB 1475 would create a jail-based competency restoration pilot program. Under this bill, the Department of State Health Services would use money appropriated by the legislature to create and implement the pilot program. The pilot program would allow inmates deemed incompetent to stand trial to receive mental health services.

Analysis: SB 1475 would expand government by creating a new program that would require new appropriations. However, the state does have a legitimate interest in holding these individuals responsible by bringing them to trial. We are neutral on SB 1475.