State Rep. Jennifer Wortz today championed the passage of her plan to get justice for victims by ensuring a greater likelihood that criminals stand trial.

House Bill 4596 addresses when defendants are deemed incompetent to stand trial. Currently, when someone is deemed incompetent, a 15-month countdown begins. Once that time elapses, if the defendant is still deemed incompetent to stand trial, the charges are dropped. Because of a massive shortage in bed space available for mental health treatment in Michigan, what often happens is that a defendant is not able to begin treatment for their mental illnesses until days or weeks before the end of the 15-month period.

“When a crime is committed, an untreated mental illness should never serve as a scapegoat that prevents victims from receiving justice,” said Wortz, R-Quincy. “My plan would ensure defendants have ample treatment time before needing to stand trial, ensuring victims and the accused get their day in court.”

Wortz’s plan would change the implementation of the 15-month time period, so it begins only when a defendant begins mental health treatment. This change would increase the likelihood the individual would be successfully treated and ultimately be able to stand trial, ensuring victims of their crimes and the accused receive the justice they deserve.

The legislation would also allow prosecutors to petition the court for permission to refile charges at any time after they are dismissed for felony offenses if the defendant regains competency after 15 months have elapsed.

The legislation now moves to the Senate for further consideration.