House committee advances feasibility study for forensic facility amid sharp dispute over Corrections role

The House Corrections & Institutions Committee on May 12 reviewed proposed amendments to S.193 that would direct the Agency of Human Services (AHS) to establish and operate a locked, secure forensic facility to provide competency restoration, evaluation, stabilization, treatment and care for people found not competent to stand trial or found not guilty by reason of insanity on serious criminal charges.

Katie McLean of the Office of Legislative Council told the committee the revised draft places operational responsibility with the Secretary of Human Services and adds a clear statement that “the Department of Corrections shall not operate or staff the forensic facility, with the exception that employees of DOC may provide security services for the facility around the outside perimeter of a forensic facility if it is co-located on the grounds of a correctional facility.” McLean also read detailed statutory language and a list of expected clinical and operational standards for the facility, including 24/7 access to a registered nurse or physician and the requirement that the facility be licensed as a therapeutic community residence (TCR).

Why it matters: The bill is intended to create a path for competency restoration so people accused of the most serious crimes can receive clinically appropriate services and, where possible, proceed to trial. The committee inserted a feasibility requirement — a plan due by Jan. 1, 2027 — that must identify location options (standalone or…