New Mexico legislators review draft competency statute and outpatient alternatives
The Courts, Corrections and Justice Committee heard proposals from the Supreme Court Commission on Mental Health and Competency. Under existing law, a defendant found incompetent could be treated back to competency or, if dangerous, sent to the New Mexico Behavioral Health Institute.
Assisted outpatient treatment pilots were running in Bernalillo and Doña Ana counties, with misdemeanor diversion pilots planned elsewhere, and a special session had put $3 million toward them. Legislative leaders questioned whether the focus on competency was too narrow.
Source: Legislators talk potential changes to criminal competency process — New Mexico Political Report, by Nicole Maxwell
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