LANSING — State Representative Jennifer Wortz, who represents Hillsdale and Branch counties in Michigan’s 35th District, has advanced a plan to boost justice for victims and hold criminals accountable.
House Bill 4596 changes how courts handle cases when defendants are deemed incompetent to stand trial. Right now, a 15-month countdown starts immediately, and if the person is still unfit when time runs out, charges are dropped.
Because Michigan has a shortage of mental health treatment beds, many defendants do not begin care until late in that 15-month period. Wortz’s plan would start the clock only once treatment begins. This would give people more time to recover and allow cases to move forward.
The bill also lets prosecutors refile felony charges if a defendant later becomes competent.
The plan passed the House and now moves to the Senate for consideration.