H1697
An Act relative to psychological evaluations for persons considered a danger to themselves or others
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- Passed Senate
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Bill overview
This bill requires psychological evaluations for individuals who are considered a danger to themselves or others, particularly when they are involved in legal proceedings or seeking state assistance. The evaluations aim to assess the individual’s risk of harm and inform decisions regarding treatment, supervision, or other protective measures. It intends to standardize the process of determining risk and improve the safety of individuals and the public. The bill seeks to ensure that these evaluations are conducted in a consistent and thorough manner.
Key provisions
- Requires psychological evaluations for individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.
- Evaluations should assess the risk of harm to the individual and others.
- The evaluations are intended to inform decisions regarding treatment and supervision.
- The bill outlines procedures for conducting and documenting these evaluations.
- It establishes guidelines for the qualifications of evaluators.
Who is affected
- Individuals considered a danger to themselves or others
- Mental health professionals
- Courts
- State agencies providing assistance
- Families of individuals involved
Notable changes
- Establishes a framework for standardized psychological evaluations in cases of potential danger.
- May impact the procedures used by courts and state agencies when assessing risk.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Paul K. Frost
Cosponsors
Joseph D. McKenna
Paul K. Frost
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1697 194th (Current)
An Act relative to psychological evaluations for persons considered a danger to themselves or others
By Representatives Frost of Auburn and Sweezey of Duxbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1697) of Paul K. Frost and Joseph D. McKenna relative to psychological evaluations for persons considered a danger to themselves or others. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenters: Paul K. Frost , Kenneth P. Sweezey
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1697
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on The Judiciary |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 11/7/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 11/18/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-08:00 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time |
| House | Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order | |
| 3/26/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27) |
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