by
<a href="mailto:sharons@awcnet.org">Sharon Swanson</a>, <a href="mailto:brandona@awcnet.org">Brandon Anderson</a> | Apr 12, 2019
<a target="_blank" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5444&Initiative=false&Year=2019"><strong>E2SSB 5444</strong></a>, commonly referred to as the “<em>Trueblood</em>” bill, has advanced through policy and fiscal committees in the House and is now eligible for a vote of the full House.
E2SSB 5444, commonly referred to as the “Trueblood” bill, has advanced through policy and fiscal committees in the House and is now eligible for a vote of the full House. The bill has been amended several times throughout the legislative session and now 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;
- A requirement that a court must schedule a hearing on a prosecutor's motion for misdemeanor competency restoration within 7 days;
- Competency restoration for a person charged with a nonfelony, which may take place in an inpatient setting or a community-based setting, based on the recommendation of the forensic navigator with input from the parties;
- 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 with adequate space for the person.
The bill advanced unanimously out of the Senate.
AWC supports the bill as amended.