by
<a href="mailto:sharons@awcnet.org">Sharon Swanson</a>, <a href="mailto:brandona@awcnet.org">Brandon Anderson</a> | Mar 11, 2019
<a target="_blank" href="http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Amendments/Senate/5444-S2%20AMS%20DHIN%20S2594.5.pdf"><strong>SSB 5444</strong></a>, commonly referred to as the “Trueblood” bill has advanced out of the Senate and now heads to the House.
SSB 5444, commonly referred to as the “Trueblood” bill has advanced out of the Senate and now heads to the House. An amendment was adopted on the floor that addresses several concerns expressed by stakeholders, including AWC.
The amendment includes:
- A provision allowing a prosecuting attorney to challenge the dismissal of charges when a person is found not to be competent and the prosecutor believes the person should receive competency restoration services;
- Competency restoration for a person charged with a nonfelony may take place on an inpatient setting or a community-based setting, based on the recommendation in the competency evaluation;
- The establishment of criteria for a person to be eligible for outpatient competency restoration; and
- Restrictions that prevent a court from ordering outpatient competency restoration unless DSHS certifies that there is an available outpatient restoration program that has adequate space for the person.
The bill advanced unanimously out of the Senate and is now headed to the House. A hearing has not yet been scheduled.