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Jefferson County backs state workgroup to review competency restoration after rising local costs
Summary
The Board unanimously passed a resolution supporting Assembly Bill A11024 to create a statewide competency restoration workgroup, citing rising county costs tied to CPL §730 and urging state-level funding and policy changes.
On June 2, the Jefferson County Board of Legislators adopted Resolution No. 172, which expresses full support for Assembly Bill A11024 to establish a Statewide Competency Restoration Workgroup tasked with analyzing existing processes and recommending reforms by June 30, 2027.
Legislator Daniel R. McBride introduced the resolution and described the county’s fiscal experience under CPL §730, asserting that counties now shoulder 100% of competency restoration costs mandated by the state. The resolution cites an increase in county expenditures—from an average of about $78,500 per year between 2016 and 2020 to "over $1.5 million in 2025"—and notes per‑diem costs for restoration services were reported in the resolution text as approximately $1,300 to $1,600 per day per individual. The resolution calls for the workgroup to evaluate funding allocation between state and counties, examine ways to safely reduce prolonged restorations, expand outpatient community‑based treatment and diversion options, and produce a report with medium‑ and long‑term solutions.
The Board directed that a certified copy of the resolution be sent to state legislative leadership and relevant elected officials. Legislator Philip N. Reed, Sr. seconded the resolution and all members present voted aye.
The resolution does not itself change county practice; it is an expression of legislative support and part of the county’s advocacy strategy to seek state relief and reforms. The Assembly bill, if enacted, would place representatives including the Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties on the workgroup to advocate for counties’ interests.
Next steps: resolution text to be delivered to state legislative leaders and the Governor, and the county will monitor the bill and the workgroup’s deliverables if the bill advances.
