This bill establishes a two-year pilot program for forensic liaisons to assist in competency proceedings for criminal defendants in New Hampshire, contingent upon adequate funding. The program will be implemented by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in either Merrimack or Strafford County, aiming to enhance the competency restoration process for individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial. Key provisions include the creation of forensic liaison positions that will facilitate access to evaluations and treatment, provide court recommendations, and share progress updates while maintaining the confidentiality of mental health records. Additionally, the bill directs an existing committee to study the restoration of competency and submit further legislative proposals by July 1, 2025.

The bill emphasizes the need for a more efficient competency restoration process, as current statistics show that fewer than half of individuals ordered for restoration in New Hampshire successfully regain competency. While the bill outlines the significant resources required for implementation, including hiring and training staff, it does not currently provide funding or authorize new positions. The estimated costs for staffing and administrative expenses are projected to be substantial, with DHHS indicating that the workload may necessitate hiring four new positions, leading to an estimated salary and benefit cost of approximately $616,194 in FY 2026 and $646,994 in FY 2027, along with additional indeterminable administrative costs.