H 1652
An Act relative to reforming the competency to stand trial process
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Bill overview
This bill seeks to reform the process used to determine if a defendant is competent to stand trial. Currently, the competency evaluation process can be inconsistent and lengthy, potentially delaying legal proceedings. The bill aims to standardize procedures, improve efficiency, and ensure fairness in assessing a defendant’s ability to understand the charges against them and assist in their defense. It also intends to clarify the roles of judges and mental health professionals involved in these evaluations.
Key provisions
- Standardizes procedures for competency evaluations.
- Expands the definition of ‘competent’ to include the ability to assist in one’s defense.
- Requires more frequent and timely competency evaluations.
- Establishes clear roles and responsibilities for judges and mental health professionals.
- Addresses potential delays in the competency process.
Who is affected
- Defendants facing criminal charges
- Judges
- Mental health professionals involved in competency evaluations
- Public defenders
- The court system
Notable changes
- Potentially streamlines the competency evaluation process.
- Clarifies the criteria for determining competency.
- May reduce delays in criminal proceedings related to competency.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Marjorie C. Decker
Cosponsors
Estela A. Reyes
Marjorie C. Decker
Arguments in favor
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Bill H.1652 194th (Current)
An Act relative to reforming the competency to stand trial process
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1652) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to reforming the competency to stand trial process. The Judiciary.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Marjorie C. Decker
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 6 actions for Bill H.1652
| 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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