House Bill No. introduced by J. Reavis and M. Yakawich aims to provide for evaluations of defendants in criminal proceedings when mental disease or disorder is a concern. The bill amends existing law to allow for examinations to determine a defendant's fitness to proceed to be conducted at detention centers, rather than solely at state hospitals. It establishes that these examinations are not considered commitments under current law and mandates the Department of Public Health and Human Services to adopt rules for conducting these evaluations, including guidelines for the examination process and the use of remote communication technologies.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 46-14-202 of the Montana Code Annotated to clarify the qualifications required for examiners and the process for appointing them. It specifies that the determination of a psychiatrist, licensed clinical psychologist, or advanced practice registered nurse's qualifications will be made by the Department of Public Health and Human Services. The bill also outlines the cost responsibilities associated with these examinations, detailing how expenses will be allocated based on who requests the examination. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the evaluation process for defendants with mental health issues while ensuring that appropriate standards and procedures are in place.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-32-2222, 46-14-202
HB0236_1(1): 7-32-2222, 46-14-202
HB0236_1(2): 7-32-2222, 46-14-202
HB0236_1(3): 7-32-2222, 46-14-202
HB0236_1(4): 7-32-2222, 46-14-202
HB0236_1(5): 7-32-2222, 46-14-202
HB0236_1(6): 7-32-2222, 46-14-202
HB0236_1(7): 7-32-2222, 46-14-202
HB0236_1(8): 7-32-2222, 46-14-202
HB0236_1: 7-32-2222, 46-14-202
HB0236_2(1): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(10): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(11): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(12): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(13): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(14): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(15): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(16): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(17): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(18): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(19): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(2): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(3): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(4): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(5): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(6): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(7): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(8): 46-14-202
HB0236_2(9): 46-14-202
HB0236_2: 46-14-202