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Bill

A 5137

Establishes State-funded roster of mental health professionals to perform competency evaluations in criminal cases; makes appropriation.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Sean Kean

Establishes a state-funded roster of qualified mental health professionals to perform criminal competency evaluations, aiming to standardize and speed up assessments.

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Bill Summary · A 5137

Bill Summary: A-5137 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes a State-funded roster of mental health professionals to perform competency evaluations in criminal cases.
  • Aims to ensure timely access to qualified evaluators for competency determinations, potentially reducing delays in criminal proceedings and standardizing the evaluation process across jurisdictions.
  • Includes an appropriation to fund the roster and related activities.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Creation of a State-funded roster: The bill requires the creation of a list of mental health professionals who are qualified to conduct competency evaluations in criminal matters. The roster is intended to centralize provider qualifications and availability.
  • Qualifications and standards: The bill outlines criteria for professionals to be included on the roster (e.g., licensure, experience with forensic evaluations, evidence-based practice standards). It may specify minimum training or certifications relevant to criminal competency assessments.
  • Assignment of evaluators: Courts or relevant authorities would reference the roster to appoint evaluators for competency determinations in criminal cases, potentially streamlining appointment processes and promoting consistency.
  • Timeliness and process: By having a ready pool of qualified evaluators, the bill seeks to reduce delays associated with finding appropriate experts and to help ensure evaluations are completed within established or improved timeframes.
  • State funding and appropriation: The measure includes an appropriation to support the roster, compensation for evaluators, and any administrative costs associated with maintaining the roster and related services.
  • Oversight and administration: Provisions may establish an administering entity (e.g., a state department or a designated board) responsible for credentialing, maintaining the roster, handling referrals, and ensuring compliance with standards.

Who Is Affected

  • Criminal defendants: Potentially faster access to competency evaluations, with standardized assessment processes.
  • Courts and prosecutors/defense teams: A more streamlined method for appointing evaluators and documenting competency determinations.
  • Mental health professionals: Individuals eligible to perform forensic competency evaluations and be placed on the state roster; they may be subject to ongoing credentialing, adherence to standards, and remuneration under the appropriation.
  • State agencies: Agencies responsible for administering the roster, oversight, and funding allocations.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill introduces or codifies a formal process for creating, maintaining, and utilizing a statewide roster.
  • It specifies funding parameters to support roster development, evaluator compensation, and administrative costs.
  • Potential timelines would depend on implementation rules: establishing the roster, credentialing providers, and integrating with court appointment procedures.
  • The exact duration for initial implementation, renewal cycles for roster entries, and reporting requirements to legislative bodies would be defined by implementing regulations or the statute details.

Notes

  • Co-sponsor: Sean Kean.
  • The summary reflects typical elements of such legislation: standards-based eligibility, centralized roster to improve efficiency and consistency, and an explicit appropriation to support operations.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize potential fiscal impact, compliance considerations for providers, or a comparison with how competency evaluations are handled in other states.

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

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