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Forensic psychologists urge higher pay for court-ordered evaluations after 18 years without increase
Summary
Forensic psychologists told the Judiciary Committee that pay for courtroom forensic evaluations has been effectively frozen for nearly two decades; sponsors plan to pursue an appropriation to raise rates and address staffing shortages.
Forensic psychologists and psychiatrists who perform court-ordered evaluations told the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 28 that their pay rates have lagged for nearly 18 years, creating recruitment and retention problems that delay required evaluations for competency, criminal responsibility and civil commitment.
Dr. Mary Kenning, a forensic psychologist with 39 years of experience, described the depth and complexity of court-ordered evaluations, including record review, testing, risk assessments and detailed reports for judges. She told the committee the pay rate for these services has been frozen since approximately 2007 and that a recent small increase still leaves compensation far below comparable private-practice rates.
"Forensic psychology and psychiatry are specialties of psychology and psychiatry," Dr. Kenning said. "We must be good researchers, interviewers, and writers, and we must be able to testify to present our opinions to the court. It is difficult to main this type of specialty practice given that our pay rate has been frozen since 02/2007 or about 18 years." She and others said low pay contributes to turnover, longer waits for statutorily required evaluations, and uneven geographic coverage.
Committee action: The sponsor presented an appropriation request and the committee laid Senate File 2861 over for possible inclusion in the Judiciary omnibus budget; members asked staff to review legislative language that guides how the Supreme Court might distribute funds among judicial districts.
Why it matters: Courts rely on forensic examiners to help determine competency, criminal responsibility and civil commitment; delays in evaluations can postpone court proceedings and may affect defendants' rights and care options.
Next steps: The Judiciary Committee will consider the appropriation during omnibus budget negotiations and coordinate with the court on distribution language.
