This bill amends various sections of Nebraska's mental health laws, particularly concerning the commitment process for individuals found mentally incompetent to stand trial. A significant change is the requirement for the Department of Health and Human Services to submit treatment plan reports for defendants committed for competency restoration within five days, replacing the previous timeline of twenty-one days for court hearings to evaluate these plans. Additionally, the bill mandates that courts hold competency status hearings every five days instead of the previous sixty-day interval. It also introduces provisions for the county attorney to file necessary documentation with the court, ensuring that legal processes are properly recorded.

Moreover, the bill enhances emergency protective custody procedures for individuals deemed mentally ill and dangerous or dangerous sex offenders. It requires law enforcement officers to complete written certificates detailing their assessments of the individual's mental state and behavior, which must be filed with the county attorney and the court. The legislation emphasizes timely evaluations by mental health professionals and establishes protocols for addressing non-compliance with treatment plans. Overall, these amendments aim to streamline the mental health commitment process, improve communication and documentation among involved parties, and ensure that individuals receive appropriate treatment while maintaining public safety.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 29-1823, 71-919, 71-931, 71-932, 71-933, 71-937, 71-1204, 71-1215, 71-1216, 71-1217, 71-1221