OLYMPIA – Washington State’s competency evaluation and restoration system is failing individuals with behavioral health needs, leaving them languishing in jails instead of receiving the treatment they need. Today, the state took a major step toward reform with the passage of House Bill 1218 designed to fix systemic delays, reduce unnecessary incarceration, and invest in community-based mental health services.
Introduced by Rep. Darya Farivar (D-Seattle), this bill responds to the urgent challenges outlined in the Trueblood settlement agreement, which found Washington in violation of individuals’ constitutional rights due to long wait times for competency evaluations and restoration. HB 1218 introduces incentives to curb overuse of inpatient competency services, creates financial incentives for diversion efforts, and strengthens local behavioral health programs to prevent unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system.
“There is a shared responsibility between the state and our local communities to address the growing demand for competency services,” said Rep. Farivar. “By incentivizing more appropriate diversion efforts and asking municipalities to “show their work” when sending someone into the competency pipeline, we are encouraging a more thoughtful approach to referrals. This is how we truly serve individuals with behavioral health needs outside of the criminal justice system.”
House Bill 1218 awaits further consideration in the Senate. Learn more by clicking here or below:
