HB 327 -- ACQUITTALS BECAUSE OF MENTAL DISEASE

This bill prohibits a person who has been acquitted because of a
mental disease or defect and who is in the custody of the
Department of Mental Health from filing an application for
unconditional release for one year after the person's
application for conditional release has been denied.  The head
of the facility where the person is in custody is also
prohibited from filing an application for a one-year period.

HB 327 -- ACQUITTALS BECAUSE OF MENTAL DISEASE (Parker)

This bill prohibits a person who has been acquitted because of a
mental disease or defect and who is in the custody of the
Department of Mental Health from filing an application for
unconditional release for one year after the person's
application for conditional release has been denied.  The head
of the facility where the person is in custody is also
prohibited from filing an application for a one year period.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

HB 327 -- ACQUITTALS BECAUSE OF MENTAL DISEASE

SPONSOR:  Parker

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee
on Criminal Law by a vote of 15 to 0.

This bill prohibits a person who has been acquitted because of a
mental disease or defect and who is in the custody of the
Department of Mental Health from filing an application for
unconditional release for one year after the person's
application for conditional release has been denied.  The head
of the facility where the person is in custody is also
prohibited from filing an application for a one year period.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that under current law regarding
those who have been acquitted for mental disease or defect,
there is no waiting period for application of an unconditional
release after a conditional release has been denied.  The bill
would prevent waste of state resources by requiring a one-year
waiting period between the time of a denied and new application.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Parker; and Office
of the Attorney General.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Sarah Madden, Legislative Analyst

HB 327 -- Acquittals Because of Mental Disease

Sponsor:  Parker

This bill prohibits a person who has been acquitted because of a
mental disease or defect and who is in the custody of the
Department of Mental Health from filing an application for
unconditional release for one year after the person's
application for conditional release has been denied.  The head
of the facility where the person is in custody is also
prohibited from filing an application for a one year period.