State hospitals get $3.4 billion budget ask as state reports sharp drop in competency restoration waitlist

The Department of State Hospitals told the Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 1 on Health on April 9 that the governor’s 2025–26 budget proposes $3.4 billion for the department, and department leaders reported large reductions in the wait list of people deemed incompetent to stand trial.

The proposed budget "will allow the department to maintain operations, delivery of services, and provide for state hospital facility capital improvements," Director Stephanie Clendenin said, as she outlined requests that include new position authority and capital-outlay planning.

The department said the budget package includes requests to cover higher patient-driven operating expenses — citing utilities, pharmaceuticals, food, and outside hospital costs — and seeks hiring authority for positions tied to…