Committee approves SB 465 to reduce forensic evaluations from three to two when evaluators agree

The Assembly Judiciary Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 465, a reprint that revises how many forensic evaluations are required for individuals who have received restoration treatment.

Drew Cross, state forensic program coordinator, told the committee the bill reduces the default number of required reports from three to two when both evaluators concur in their findings and recommendations. If the two evaluators disagree about an individual's competency to proceed, the bill provides for a third evaluator. Cross said the change aligns Nevada with national standards, aims to improve efficiency, and preserves safeguards by requiring a third evaluator only when the first two disagree.

Committee members asked no questions in the excerpt. The chair opened the work session, Vice Chair Marzola moved the do-pass motion and Assembly Member Gray seconded. The motion passed unanimously, and the chair assigned the floor statement to Assembly Member Gray.

Supporters noted the change was made after consultations with public defenders and district attorneys; the bill’s reprint removed a separate provision codifying involuntary medication after those stakeholders’ concerns were addressed. The committee recorded no public opposition or neutral testimony in the excerpt.

The bill will advance to the floor with the committee’s assigned floor statement.