Appropriations committee backs $500,000 appropriation for juvenile evaluation services in SB 20‑36

Representative O'Brien explained Senate Bill 20‑36 to the committee: the bill includes a $500,000 appropriation to administer juvenile fitness‑to‑proceed mental health services, describes examination procedures, ages covered and hearing requirements, and sets the framework for contracting with providers to conduct evaluations. O'Brien moved a due‑pass recommendation on SB 20‑36; the motion was seconded and came to a roll call after discussion.

Several members expressed concern about adding a new funded program mid‑biennium. Representative Nelson said some members opposed on the ground that the human services budget should find the money internally given the overall size of the budget. Representative Hansen, who participated in the interim study that informed the policy, said the policy side was thoroughly vetted by practitioners and supported the bill’s policy approach; she deferred funding questions to the Human Services section. Representative Murphy said the department’s attorney indicated evaluations would often be performed by forensic psychologists and could be conducted by telehealth when appropriate; the appropriation would pay for contracting such expertise.

On roll call the committee recorded 14 votes in favor, 6 opposed and 3 members not voting; the motion carried and the bill will proceed with a committee due‑pass recommendation. The original Senate carrier was Representative Christiansen; committee notes indicate the bill will return with the appropriation and policy to the appropriate next steps.