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SB 313

CONCERNING FORENSIC MENTAL HEALTH EVALUATIONS AND TREATMENT; AND TO PROMOTE AND IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES AND QUALITY IN THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Sonia Barker and 17 co-sponsors

Arkansas law (Act 733) modifies forensic mental health evaluations and court competency procedures while requiring DHS operational improvements and service quality enhancements.

Notification that SB313 is now Act 733
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Bill Summary · SB 313

Legislative bill overview

SB 313 modifies Arkansas's forensic mental health evaluation and treatment procedures while directing the Department of Human Services to improve operational efficiencies and service quality. The bill became law (Act 733) in April 2025 after passing both chambers with amendments. Specific provisions address how courts access mental health evaluations for criminal defendants and how the state manages forensic psychiatric services.

Why is this important

Forensic mental health evaluations determine competency to stand trial and criminal responsibility—outcomes that directly affect defendants' legal rights and case outcomes. Improvements to DHS efficiency and quality standards impact wait times for evaluations, service availability, and ultimately the speed and fairness of criminal proceedings. Changes to these systems affect both the criminal justice system's functionality and individuals' access to mental health treatment.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of amendments unclear: The bill passed with amendments (#1) from the House, but without seeing the actual text, it's uncertain what substantive changes were made to the original proposal
  • Competency evaluation access and standards: Potential disagreements over who can order evaluations, what qualifications evaluators must have, whether changes expand or restrict defendant access to mental health assessments
  • DHS resource allocation: "Improving efficiencies" may mean consolidating services, shifting costs, or reducing certain programs—stakeholders may dispute whether changes adequately fund forensic services or prioritize budget cuts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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