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HB 2227

Relating to the period for transporting a criminal defendant who is found incompetent to stand trial to a facility for competency restoration services and to the compensation to the county for the costs of confinement occurring after that period.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Nicole Collier

Establishes timeline for transporting incompetent defendants to restoration facilities and requires compensation for county jail costs exceeding that period.

Referred to Public Health
#crimes--miscellaneous(i0200) #criminalprocedure--sentencing&punishment(i0205) #health&humanservicescommission(v0177) #mentalhealth&substanceabuse(i0019)
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Bill Summary · HB 2227

Legislative bill overview

HB 2227 establishes a time limit for transporting criminal defendants found incompetent to stand trial to competency restoration facilities and creates a compensation mechanism for counties covering confinement costs that exceed this transportation period. The bill addresses the current gap where defendants may remain in county jails awaiting placement, creating costs without clear financial responsibility.

Why is this important

Counties currently bear potentially significant expenses when defendants awaiting competency restoration remain in local custody beyond reasonable transportation timeframes. This bill seeks to clarify financial accountability and potentially reduce jail crowding by establishing enforceable timelines and cost-sharing mechanisms between the state and counties.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding responsibility: Disputes may arise over whether state agencies or counties should ultimately bear costs, and whether the compensation formula adequately reimburses counties
  • Timeline feasibility: The specified transportation period may prove unrealistic given limited competency restoration bed availability across Texas, potentially creating compliance problems
  • Mental health capacity: The bill assumes sufficient competency restoration facilities exist; if not, it could shift costs without solving placement delays or create perverse incentives to rush defendants into inadequate programs

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

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