This bill, known as HB 480, establishes a study committee tasked with exploring the restoration of competency for criminal defendants in New Hampshire. The committee is required to submit additional legislative proposals by July 1, 2025, in response to a significant 75% increase in competency orders since 2015. The bill highlights the absence of a formal system for treating individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial and aims to enhance the competency restoration process through the creation of a forensic liaison pilot program in one judicial jurisdiction. This program will be implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) once adequately funded.

The proposed pilot program will involve the establishment of one or more forensic liaison positions to assist in competency proceedings, facilitating evaluations, recommending treatments, and coordinating care while ensuring confidentiality. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the forensic liaisons, including reporting on case numbers and restoration outcomes to improve the overall competency restoration system. Notably, the bill introduces new legal language to establish the forensic liaison program and its duties, while no deletions from existing law are specified. However, it does not currently provide funding or authorize new positions, with any fiscal impacts expected to arise after FY 2025. The implementation of this program will require significant resources and coordination among various state entities, with costs remaining indeterminable at this stage.