The bill amends existing laws concerning criminal competency procedures, emphasizing community-based competency restoration for non-dangerous defendants. It allows courts to recommend involuntary commitment or assisted outpatient treatment when a criminal case is dismissed and expands the list of crimes eligible for commitment. The legislation also introduces a new crime of unlawful possession of a weapon conversion device and increases penalties for certain automobile theft offenses and making shooting threats. Additionally, it modifies the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Act, enabling district attorneys or the attorney general to file petitions for assisted outpatient treatment within thirty days of a qualified professional's examination of a defendant, while establishing a framework for competency evaluations and restoration programs.

Moreover, the bill enhances penalties for trafficking fentanyl, with increased prison time based on the amount possessed, and introduces amendments regarding chemical blood tests. It specifies that only licensed medical personnel can perform blood withdrawals for testing and provides liability protections for these professionals, except in cases of negligence. The bill also outlines the authority of law enforcement officers to direct chemical tests and the consequences of refusing such tests, aiming to streamline the chemical testing process while ensuring protections for law enforcement and medical personnel. Overall, the legislation seeks to improve public safety by tightening regulations around serious criminal offenses and mental health evaluations in the judicial process.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 31-9-1.2, 31-9-1.3, 31-9-1.4, 31-9-1.5, 31-9-1.6, 31-9-2, 43-1B-4
JC substitute: 31-9-1.2, 31-9-1.3, 31-9-1.4, 31-9-1.5, 31-9-1.6, 31-9-2, 43-1B-4, 30-16D-2, 30-16D-3, 30-20-16, 30-28-2, 66-8-104, 66-8-111, 66-8-111.1, 66-13-6, 66-13-7
Final Version: 31-9-1.2, 31-9-1.3, 31-9-1.4, 31-9-1.5, 31-9-1.6, 31-9-2, 43-1B-4, 30-16D-2, 30-16D-3, 30-20-16, 30-28-2, 66-8-104, 66-8-111, 66-8-111.1, 66-13-6, 66-13-7