Bill No. 1693 amends the death penalty procedures for individuals deemed mentally incompetent to be executed. It clarifies the evidentiary hearing requirements and specifies a time limit for the submission of reports related to mental competency. The bill establishes that if an attorney believes their client may be mentally incompetent, they can file a motion in the Court of Criminal Appeals. The trial court is required to hold an evidentiary hearing to determine mental competency, with the Attorney General representing the state. If the court finds the individual competent, execution will proceed; if not, the individual will receive treatment to restore competency.

Key provisions include the requirement for the trial court to issue a stay of execution if the individual is found mentally incompetent, and the establishment of procedures for competency restoration services. The bill also prohibits any filings related to these proceedings from being made under seal and states that the amendments will be applied retroactively. The effective date for this act is set for November 1, 2025.