(d) ["Mentally ill"] "PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNI-
TIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES" means that a [defendant currently
suffers from] PERSON AT THE TIME OF ANY EXAMINATION OR DETERMINATION AS
TO WHETHER OR NOT A PERSON HAS A QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMI-
NENT SERIOUS RISK OR MENTAL ILLNESS OR SHOULD BE GRANTED A FURLOUGH OR
ANY OTHER PRIVILEGE HAS a mental illness for which care and treatment as
a patient, in the in-patient services of a psychiatric center under the
jurisdiction of the state office of mental health, is essential to such
[defendant's] PERSON'S welfare and that [his or her] SUCH PERSON'S judg-
ment is so impaired that [he] SUCH PERSON is unable to understand the
need for such care and treatment; and, where a defendant has [a] devel-
opmental [disability], COGNITIVE OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES, the term
["mentally ill"] "PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE,
OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES" shall also mean, for purposes of this
section, that the defendant is in need of care and treatment as a resi-
dent in the in-patient services of a developmental center or other resi-
dential facility for [individuals] PEOPLE with developmental [disabili-
ties], COGNITIVE OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES under the jurisdiction of
the state office for people with developmental disabilities.
(e) "Examination order" means an order directed to the commissioner
requiring that a defendant submit to a psychiatric examination to deter-
mine whether the defendant has a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING
CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK, or if [he] SUCH DEFENDANT
does not have [dangerous mental disorder] A QUALIFYING CONDITION AND
LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK, whether [he] SUCH DEFENDANT is [mentally
ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLEC-
TUAL CHALLENGES.
(g) "First retention order" means an order which is effective at the
expiration of the period prescribed in a commitment order [for] OR a
recommitment order, authorizing continued custody of a defendant by the
commissioner for a period not to exceed [one year] NINETY DAYS.
(h) "Second retention order" means an order which is effective at the
expiration of the period prescribed in a first retention order, author-
izing continued custody of a defendant by the commissioner for a period
not to exceed [two years] NINETY DAYS.
(i) "Subsequent retention order" means an order which is effective at
the expiration of the period prescribed in a second retention order or a
prior subsequent retention order authorizing continued custody of a
defendant by the commissioner for a period not to exceed [two years] SIX
MONTHS.
§ 3. Subdivisions 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 15 of section
330.20 of the criminal procedure law, subdivision 2 as amended by chap-
ter 693 of the laws of 1989, the opening paragraph of subdivision 2 as
amended by chapter 479 of the laws of 2022, the closing paragraph of
subdivision 2 as amended by chapter 107 of the laws of 2004, subdivi-
sions 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 as amended by chapter 789 of the laws
of 1985 and subdivisions 6, 7 and 15 as added by chapter 548 of the laws
of 1980, are amended to read as follows:
2. Examination order; psychiatric examiners. Upon entry of a verdict
of not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect, or upon the
acceptance of a plea of not responsible by reason of mental disease or
defect, the court must immediately issue an examination order. Upon
receipt of such order, the commissioner must designate two qualified
psychiatric examiners to conduct the examination to examine the defend-
ant WITHIN FIFTEEN DAYS OF SUCH RECEIPT. In conducting their examina-
tion, the psychiatric examiners may employ any method which is accepted
S. 8310 3
by the medical profession for the examination of persons alleged to [be
suffering from] HAVE a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION
AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK or to be [mentally ill or having] a
PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, developmental [disability], COGNITIVE, OR
INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES. The court may authorize a psychiatrist or
psychologist retained by a defendant to be present at such examination.
The clerk of the court must promptly forward a copy of the examination
order to the mental hygiene legal service and such service may thereaft-
er participate in all subsequent proceedings under this section.
In all subsequent proceedings under this section, prior to the issu-
ance of a special order of conditions, the court shall consider whether
any order of protection had been issued prior to a verdict of not
responsible by reason of mental disease or defect in the case, or prior
to the acceptance of a plea of not responsible by reason of mental
disease or defect in the case.
5. Examination order; reports. After [he has completed his] COMPLETION
OF THE examination of the defendant, each psychiatric examiner must
promptly prepare a report of [his] THEIR findings and evaluation
concerning the defendant's mental condition, and submit such report to
the commissioner NO LATER THAN SEVEN DAYS AFTER CONDUCTING THE EXAMINA-
TION. If the psychiatric examiners differ in their opinion as to wheth-
er the defendant is [mentally ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOP-
MENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES or [is suffering from a
dangerous mental disorder] HAS A QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMI-
NENT SERIOUS RISK, the commissioner must designate another psychiatric
examiner to examine the defendant. Upon receipt of the examination
reports, the commissioner must submit them to the court that issued the
examination order. If the court is not satisfied with the findings of
these psychiatric examiners, the court may designate one or more addi-
tional psychiatric examiners pursuant to subdivision fifteen of this
section. The court must furnish a copy of the reports to the district
attorney, counsel for the defendant and the mental hygiene legal
service.
6. Initial hearing; commitment order. After the examination reports
are submitted, the court must, within ten days of the receipt of such
reports, conduct an initial hearing to determine the defendant's present
mental condition. If the defendant is in the custody of the commissioner
pursuant to an examination order, the court must direct the sheriff to
obtain custody of the defendant from the commissioner and to confine the
defendant pending further order of the court, except that the court may
direct the sheriff to confine the defendant in an institution located
near the place where the court sits if that institution has been desig-
nated by the commissioner as suitable for the temporary and secure
detention of mentally disabled persons. At such initial hearing, the
district attorney must establish to the satisfaction of the court that
the defendant has a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND
LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK or is [mentally ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL
HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES. If the
court finds that the defendant has a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALI-
FYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK, [it] THE COURT must
issue a commitment order. If the court finds that the defendant does not
have a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF
IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK but is [mentally ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH,
DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES, the provisions of
subdivision seven of this section shall apply.
S. 8310 4
7. Initial hearing civil commitment and order of conditions. If, at
the conclusion of the initial hearing conducted pursuant to subdivision
six of this section, the court finds that the defendant is [mentally
ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLEC-
TUAL CHALLENGES but does not have a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFY-
ING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK, the provisions of
articles nine or fifteen of the mental hygiene law shall apply at that
stage of the proceedings and at all subsequent proceedings. Having found
that the defendant is [mentally ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVEL-
OPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES, the court must issue an
order of conditions and an order committing the defendant to the custody
of the commissioner. The latter order shall be deemed an order made
pursuant to the mental hygiene law and not pursuant to this section, and
further retention, conditional release or discharge of such defendant
shall be in accordance with the provisions of the mental hygiene law.
If, at the conclusion of the initial hearing, the court finds that the
defendant does not have a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDI-
TION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK and is not [mentally ill] A
PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL
CHALLENGES, the court must discharge the defendant either uncondi-
tionally or subject to an order of conditions.
8. First retention order. When a defendant is in the custody of the
commissioner pursuant to a commitment order, the commissioner must, at
least thirty days prior to the expiration of the period prescribed in
the order, apply to the court that issued the order, or to a superior
court in the county where the secure facility is located, for a first
retention order or a release order. The commissioner must give written
notice of the application to the district attorney, the defendant, coun-
sel for the defendant, and the mental hygiene legal service. Upon
receipt of such application, the court may, on its own motion, conduct a
hearing to determine whether the defendant has a [dangerous mental
disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK, and
it must conduct such hearing if a demand therefor is made by [the
district attorney,] the defendant, counsel for the defendant, or the
mental hygiene legal service within ten days from the date that notice
of the application was given to them. If such a hearing is held on an
application for retention, the commissioner must establish to the satis-
faction of the court that the defendant has a [dangerous mental disor-
der] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK or is
[mentally ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR
INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES. [The district attorney shall be entitled to
appear and present evidence at such hearing. If such a hearing is held
on an application for release, the district attorney must establish to
the satisfaction of the court that the defendant has a dangerous mental
disorder or is mentally ill.] If the court finds that the defendant has
a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT
SERIOUS RISK it must issue a first retention order. If the court finds
that the defendant is [mentally ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVEL-
OPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES but does not have a
[dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT
SERIOUS RISK, it must issue a first retention order and, pursuant to
subdivision eleven of this section, a transfer order and an order of
conditions. If the COMMISSIONER MAKES AN APPLICATION FOR RELEASE OR IF
THE court finds that the defendant does not have a [dangerous mental
disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK and is
not [mentally ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNI-
S. 8310 5
TIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES, [it] THE COURT must issue a release
order and an order of conditions pursuant to subdivision twelve of this
section.
9. Second and subsequent retention orders. When a defendant is in the
custody of the commissioner pursuant to a first retention order, the
commissioner must, at least thirty days prior to the expiration of the
period prescribed in the order, apply to the court that issued the
order, or to a superior court in the county where the facility is
located, for a second retention order or a release order. The commis-
sioner must give written notice of the application to the district
attorney, the defendant, counsel for the defendant, and the mental
hygiene legal service. Upon receipt of such application FOR A RETENTION
ORDER, the court may, on its own motion, conduct a hearing to determine
whether the defendant has a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING
CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK, and it must conduct such
hearing if a demand therefor is made by [the district attorney,] the
defendant, counsel for the defendant, or the mental hygiene legal
service within ten days from the date that notice of the application was
given to them. If such a hearing is held on an application for
retention, the commissioner must establish to the satisfaction of the
court that the defendant has a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING
CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK or is [mentally ill] A
PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL
CHALLENGES. [The district attorney shall be entitled to appear and pres-
ent evidence at such hearing. If such a hearing is held on an applica-
tion for release, the district attorney must establish to the satisfac-
tion of the court that the defendant has a dangerous mental disorder or
is mentally ill.] If the court finds that the defendant has a [dangerous
mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK
it must issue a second retention order. If the court finds that the
defendant is [mentally ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL,
COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES but does not have a [dangerous
mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS
RISK, it must issue a second retention order and, pursuant to subdivi-
sion eleven of this section, a transfer order and an order of condi-
tions. If THE COMMISSIONER MAKES AN APPLICATION FOR RELEASE OR IF the
court finds that the defendant does not have a [dangerous mental disor-
der] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK and is not
[mentally ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR
INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES, it must issue a release order and an order of
conditions pursuant to subdivision twelve of this section. When a
defendant is in the custody of the commissioner prior to the expiration
of the period prescribed in a second retention order, the procedures set
forth in this subdivision for the issuance of a second retention order
shall govern the application for and the issuance of any subsequent
retention order. ANY TIME A COMMITMENT OR RETENTION ORDER IS ISSUED, THE
COMMISSIONER OR THEIR DESIGNEE SHALL WORK WITH THE PERSON IN CUSTODY TO
DEVELOP A DETAILED AND EXTENSIVE TREATMENT PLAN THAT INCLUDES WHAT
SERVICES, TREATMENT, PROGRAMS, AND/OR CORRECTIVE ACTION THE PERSON NEEDS
TO TAKE TO OBTAIN RELEASE, A TRANSFER ORDER, AND/OR A FURLOUGH ORDER.
THE COMMISSIONER OR DESIGNEE SHALL THEN PROVIDE ACCESS TO SUCH SERVICES,
TREATMENT, AND PROGRAMS, AND THE INDIVIDUAL SHALL BE RELEASED, ISSUED A
TRANSFER ORDER, AND/OR ISSUED A FURLOUGH ORDER IF THEY SUBSTANTIALLY
COMPLETE WHAT WAS REQUIRED FOR THE PARTICULAR OUTCOME.
10. Furlough order. The commissioner may apply for a furlough order,
pursuant to this subdivision, when a defendant is in [his] THE COMMIS-
S. 8310 6
SIONER'S custody pursuant to a commitment order, recommitment order, or
retention order and the commissioner is of the view that, consistent
with the public safety and welfare of the community and the defendant,
the clinical condition of the defendant warrants a granting of the priv-
ileges authorized by a furlough order. The application for a furlough
order may be made to the court that issued the commitment order, or to a
superior court in the county where the secure facility is located. The
commissioner must give ten days written notice to the district attorney,
the defendant, counsel for the defendant, and the mental hygiene legal
service. Upon receipt of such application, the court may, on its own
motion, conduct a hearing to determine whether the application should be
granted[, and must conduct such hearing if a demand therefor is made by
the district attorney]. If the [court finds] COMMISSIONER HAS FOUND that
the issuance of a furlough order is consistent with the public safety
and welfare of the community and the defendant, and that the clinical
condition of the defendant warrants a granting of the privileges author-
ized by a furlough order, the court must grant the application and issue
a furlough order containing any terms and conditions that the court
deems necessary or appropriate. [If the defendant fails to return to the
secure facility at the time specified in the furlough order, then, for
purposes of subdivision nineteen of this section, he shall be deemed to
have escaped] A PERSON IN CUSTODY SHALL BE PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO
EARN PROGRESSIVELY MORE PERMISSIVE FURLOUGHS, INCLUDING BEING ESCORTED
WITHIN A FACILITY, UNESCORTED WITHIN A FACILITY, ESCORTED IN THE COMMU-
NITY OUTSIDE A FACILITY, UNESCORTED COMMUNITY FURLOUGHS, AND UNESCORTED
COMMUNITY FURLOUGHS WITH COMMUNITY INTEGRATION, WHERE AN INDIVIDUAL IS
ABLE TO SPEND TIME WITH THEIR FAMILY, WORK, PURSUE EDUCATION, AND PURSUE
COMMUNITY-BASED TREATMENT. EACH PERSON IN CUSTODY SHALL HAVE THE OPPOR-
TUNITY TO MOVE TO A MORE PERMISSIVE FURLOUGH AT LEAST EVERY SIX MONTHS
UNLESS THEY HAVE ENGAGED IN SPECIFIC BEHAVIOR WITHIN THE PREVIOUS SIX
MONTHS DEMONSTRATING THAT THEY POSE A RISK OF IMMINENT SERIOUS PHYSICAL
DANGER TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS. IF AN INDIVIDUAL HAS PARTICIPATED IN
UNESCORTED COMMUNITY FURLOUGHS FOR SIX MONTHS, THEY SHALL BE RELEASED OR
RECEIVE AN ORDER OF TRANSFER. IF THEY ARE TRANSFERRED, THEY SHALL
CONTINUE ON THE SAME FURLOUGH PROGRESSION LEVEL.
11. (A) Transfer order and order of conditions. The commissioner may
apply for a transfer order, pursuant to this subdivision, when a defend-
ant is in [his] THE COMMISSIONER'S custody pursuant to a retention order
or a recommitment order, and the commissioner is of the view that the
defendant does not have a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDI-
TION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK or that, consistent with the
public safety and welfare of the community and the defendant, the clin-
ical condition of the defendant warrants [his] SUCH DEFENDANT'S transfer
from a secure facility to a non-secure facility under the jurisdiction
of the commissioner or to any non-secure facility designated by the
commissioner. The application for a transfer order may be made to the
court that issued the order under which the defendant is then in custo-
dy, or to a superior court in the county where the secure facility is
located. The commissioner must give ten days written notice to the
district attorney, the defendant, counsel for the defendant, and the
mental hygiene legal service. Upon receipt of such application, the
court [may, on its own motion, conduct a hearing to determine whether
the application should be granted, and must conduct such hearing if the
demand therefor is made by the district attorney. At such hearing, the
district attorney must establish to the satisfaction of the court that
the defendant has a dangerous mental disorder or that the issuance of a
S. 8310 7
transfer order is inconsistent with the public safety and welfare of the
community. The court] must grant the application and issue a transfer
order if the [court finds] COMMISSIONER HAS CONCLUDED that the defendant
does not have a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND
LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK, or [if the court finds] that the issu-
ance of a transfer order is consistent with the public safety and
welfare of the community and the defendant and that the clinical condi-
tion of the defendant, warrants [his] SUCH DEFENDANT'S transfer from a
secure facility to a non-secure facility. A court must also issue a
transfer order when, in connection with an application for a first
retention order pursuant to subdivision eight of this section or a
second or subsequent retention order pursuant to subdivision nine of
this section, it finds that a defendant is [mentally ill] A PERSON WITH
MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES but
does not have a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND
LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK. Whenever a court issues a transfer order
it must also issue an order of conditions. A PERSON WHO IS TRANSFERRED
MUST BEGIN THEIR NEW PLACEMENT WITH AT LEAST THE SAME LEVEL OF ALL PRIV-
ILEGES, CONDITIONS, AND FURLOUGH PROGRESSION LEVEL AS THEY HAD AT THE
TIME OF THEIR TRANSFER.
(B) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER SECTION OF LAW, AND REGARDLESS OF WHETH-
ER ANY APPLICATION IS FILED, A COURT SHALL AUTOMATICALLY ISSUE A RELEASE
ORDER OR A TRANSFER ORDER FROM A SECURE FACILITY TO A NON-SECURE FACILI-
TY TO ANY PERSON IN THE CUSTODY OF THE COMMISSIONER PURSUANT TO A
COMMITMENT ORDER OR A RETENTION ORDER WHO HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF THREE
YEARS IN A SECURE FACILITY AND/OR A STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILI-
TY, OR WHO HAS SPENT A TOTAL PERIOD OF TIME IN A SECURE FACILITY AND/OR
A STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY EQUAL TO THE MINIMUM SENTENCE
THEY COULD HAVE RECEIVED FOR THE CHARGE FOR WHICH THEY RECEIVED A
VERDICT OF, OR ACCEPTED A PLEA OF, NOT RESPONSIBLE BY REASON OF MENTAL
DISEASE OR DEFECT, WHICHEVER PERIOD OF TIME EXPIRES FIRST. FOR A PERSON
WHO HAS SPENT A TOTAL PERIOD OF TIME IN A SECURE FACILITY EQUAL TO THE
MINIMUM SENTENCE THEY COULD HAVE RECEIVED FOR THE CHARGE FOR WHICH THEY
RECEIVED A VERDICT OF, OR ACCEPTED A PLEA OF, NOT RESPONSIBLE BY REASON
OF MENTAL DISEASE OR DEFECT, A COURT SHALL ISSUE A RELEASE ORDER. FOR
ANY RELEASE ORDER OR TRANSFER ORDER, THE PERSON SHALL BE RELEASED OR
TRANSFERRED ON OR BEFORE THE DAY THE TIME PERIOD EXPIRES.
(C) TIME SPENT IN A SECURE FACILITY AND/OR STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL
FACILITY PRIOR TO A VERDICT, PLEA, AND/OR A SENTENCE, SHALL BE INCLUDED
AS PART OF THE TOTAL TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION.
12. (A) Release order and order of conditions. The commissioner may
apply for a release order, pursuant to this subdivision, when a defend-
ant is in [his] THE COMMISSIONER'S custody pursuant to a retention order
or recommitment order, and the commissioner is of the view that the
defendant no longer has a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDI-
TION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK and is no longer [mentally ill]
A PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL
CHALLENGES. The application for a release order may be made to the court
that issued the order under which the defendant is then in custody, or
to a superior court in the county where the facility is located. The
application must contain a description of the defendant's current mental
condition, the past course of treatment, a history of the defendant's
conduct subsequent to [his] SUCH DEFENDANT'S commitment, a written
service plan for continued treatment which shall include the information
specified in subdivision (g) of section 29.15 of the mental hygiene law,
and a detailed statement of the extent to which supervision of the
S. 8310 8
defendant after release is proposed. The commissioner must give ten days
written notice to the district attorney, the defendant, counsel for the
defendant, and the mental hygiene legal service. Upon receipt of such
application, the court must promptly [conduct a hearing to determine the
defendant's present mental condition. At such hearing, the district
attorney must establish to the satisfaction of the court that the
defendant has a dangerous mental disorder or is mentally ill. If the
court finds that the defendant has a dangerous mental disorder, it must
deny the application for a release order. If the court finds that the
defendant does not have a dangerous mental disorder but is mentally ill,
it must issue a transfer order pursuant to subdivision eleven of this
section if the defendant is then confined in a secure facility. If the
court finds that the defendant does not have a dangerous mental disorder
and is not mentally ill, it must] grant the application and issue a
release order. A court must also issue a release order when, in
connection with an application for a first retention order pursuant to
subdivision eight of this section or a second or subsequent retention
order pursuant to subdivision nine of this section, it finds that the
defendant does not have a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDI-
TION AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK and is not [mentally ill] A
PERSON WITH MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL
CHALLENGES. Whenever a court issues a release order it must also issue
an order of conditions. If the court has previously issued a transfer
order and an order of conditions, it must issue a new order of condi-
tions upon issuing a release order. The order of conditions issued in
conjunction with a release order shall incorporate a written service
plan prepared by a psychiatrist familiar with the defendant's case
history and approved by the court, and shall contain any conditions that
the court determines to be reasonably necessary or appropriate. It shall
be the responsibility of the commissioner to determine that such defend-
ant is receiving the services specified in the written service plan and
is complying with any conditions specified in such plan and the order of
conditions.
(B) (I) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER SECTION OF LAW, AND REGARDLESS OF
WHETHER ANY APPLICATION IS FILED, A COURT SHALL AUTOMATICALLY ISSUE A
RELEASE ORDER TO ANY PERSON IN THE CUSTODY OF THE COMMISSIONER PURSUANT
TO A COMMITMENT ORDER OR A RETENTION ORDER WHO HAS SPENT A TOTAL OF SIX
YEARS IN SUCH CUSTODY IN A SECURE FACILITY, NON-SECURE FACILITY, AND/OR
A STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY, OR WHO HAS SPENT A TOTAL PERIOD
OF TIME IN SUCH CUSTODY IN A SECURE FACILITY, NON-SECURE FACILITY AND/OR
A STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY EQUAL TO THE MINIMUM SENTENCE
THEY COULD HAVE RECEIVED FOR THE CHARGE FOR WHICH THEY RECEIVED A
VERDICT OF, OR ACCEPTED A PLEA OF, NOT RESPONSIBLE BY REASON OF MENTAL
DISEASE OR DEFECT, WHICHEVER PERIOD OF TIME EXPIRES FIRST. THE PERSON
SHALL BE RELEASED ON OR BEFORE THE DAY THE TIME PERIOD EXPIRES.
(II) TIME SPENT IN A SECURE FACILITY, NON-SECURE FACILITY, AND/OR
STATE OR LOCAL CORRECTIONAL FACILITY PRIOR TO A VERDICT, A PLEA, AND/OR
A SENTENCE, SHALL BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE TOTAL TIME PERIODS SET
FORTH IN THIS SECTION.
(C) ALL FACILITIES UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL ALL OPERATE THE SAME,
CONSISTENT POLICIES, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO TREATMENT PLANS,
FURLOUGHS, RETENTION ORDERS, TRANSFER ORDERS, AND RELEASE ORDERS.
13. Discharge order. The commissioner may apply for a discharge order,
pursuant to this subdivision, when a defendant has been continuously on
an out-patient status for three years or more pursuant to a release
order, and the commissioner is of the view that the defendant no longer
S. 8310 9
has a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF
IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK and is no longer [mentally ill] A PERSON WITH
MENTAL HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES and
that the issuance of a discharge order is consistent with the public
safety and welfare of the community and the defendant. The application
for a discharge order may be made to the court that issued the release
order, or to a superior court in the county where the defendant is then
residing. The commissioner must give ten days written notice to the
district attorney, the defendant, counsel for the defendant, and the
mental hygiene legal service. Upon receipt of such application, the
court [may, on its own motion, conduct a hearing to determine whether
the application should be granted, and must conduct such hearing if a
demand therefor is made by the district attorney. The court] must grant
the application and issue a discharge order if the [court finds] COMMIS-
SIONER HAS FOUND that the defendant has been continuously on an out-pa-
tient status for three years or more, that [he] SUCH DEFENDANT does not
have a [dangerous mental disorder] QUALIFYING CONDITION AND LEVEL OF
IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK and is not [mentally ill] A PERSON WITH MENTAL
HEALTH, DEVELOPMENTAL, COGNITIVE, OR INTELLECTUAL CHALLENGES, and that
the issuance of the discharge order is consistent with the public safety
and welfare of the community and the defendant.
15. Designation of psychiatric examiners. If, at any hearing conducted
under this section to determine the defendant's present mental condi-
tion, the court is not satisfied with the findings of the psychiatric
examiners, the court may direct the commissioner to designate one or
more additional psychiatric examiners to conduct an examination of the
defendant and submit a report of their findings. In addition, the court
may on its own motion, or upon request of a party, may designate one or
more psychiatric examiners to examine the defendant and submit a report
of their findings. The district attorney may NOT apply to the court for
an order directing that the defendant submit to an examination by a
psychiatric examiner designated by the district attorney[, and such
psychiatric examiner may testify at the hearing].
§ 4. Subdivision 14 of section 330.20 of the criminal procedure law is
REPEALED.
§ 5. Paragraphs (a) and (c) of subdivision 21 of section 330.20 of the
criminal procedure law, as added by chapter 976 of the laws of 1983,
subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) as amended by chapter 330 of the laws
of 1993, are amended to read as follows:
(a) A party to proceedings conducted in accordance with the provisions
of this section may take an appeal to an intermediate appellate court
[by permission of the intermediate appellate court] as follows:
(i) the commissioner may appeal from any [release order,] retention
order[, transfer order, discharge order,] OR order of conditions[, or
recommitment order,] for which [he] SUCH COMMISSIONER has not applied;
(ii) a defendant, or the mental hygiene legal service on [his or her]
A DEFENDANT'S behalf, may appeal from any commitment order, retention
order, [recommitment order,] or, if the defendant has obtained a rehear-
ing and review of any such order pursuant to subdivision sixteen of this
section, from an order, not otherwise appealable as of right, issued in
accordance with the provisions of section 9.35 or 15.35 of the mental
hygiene law authorizing continued retention under the original order[,
provided, however, that a defendant who takes an appeal from a commit-
ment order, retention order, or recommitment order may not subsequently
obtain a rehearing and review of such order pursuant to subdivision
sixteen of this section;
S. 8310 10
(iii) the district attorney may appeal from any release order, trans-
fer order, discharge order, order of conditions, furlough order, or
order denying an application for a recommitment order which he opposed].
(c) An appeal taken under this subdivision shall be deemed civil in
nature, and shall be governed by the laws and rules applicable to civil
appeals; provided, however, THAT ANY SUCH APPEAL SHALL BE DECIDED WITHIN
SIX MONTHS OF BEING FILED AND that a stay of the order appealed from
must be obtained in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d)
[hereof] OF THIS SUBDIVISION. IF AN APPEAL OF A RETENTION ORDER OR
COMMITMENT ORDER IS NOT DECIDED WITHIN SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DATE SUCH
APPEAL IS FILED, THE INDIVIDUAL HELD IN A SECURE OR NON-SECURE FACILITY
UNDER SUCH RETENTION ORDER OR COMMITMENT ORDER SHALL BE RELEASED FROM A
NON-SECURE FACILITY OR RELEASED OR TRANSFERRED FROM A SECURE FACILITY TO
A NON-SECURE FACILITY, UNLESS THE COMMISSIONER SEEKS AND OBTAINS FROM
THE COURT A STAY OF SUCH RELEASE OR TRANSFER BY DEMONSTRATING BEYOND A
REASONABLE DOUBT THAT THE PERSON CURRENTLY HAS A QUALIFYING CONDITION
AND LEVEL OF IMMINENT SERIOUS RISK.
§ 6. Section 330.20 of the criminal procedure law is amended by adding
two new subdivisions 23 and 24 to read as follows:
23. THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH SHALL PUBLISH MONTHLY REPORTS ON ITS
WEBSITE, ALONG WITH SEMI-ANNUAL AND ANNUAL CUMULATIVE REPORTS, OF THE
TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE HELD IN EACH SECURE AND NON-SECURE FORENSIC
FACILITY IN THE STATE.
(A) THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN EACH SECURE AND NON-SECURE FORENSIC FACIL-
ITY SHALL BE SEPARATELY LISTED, INCLUDING: (I) THOSE THAT HOLD PEOPLE
PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND SECTION 730.50 OF THIS CHAPTER OR 14 NYCRR
PART 57, AND INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE MID-HUDSON FORENSIC
PSYCHIATRIC CENTER, KIRBY FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIC CENTER, ROCHESTER
REGIONAL FORENSIC UNIT, AND NORTHEAST REGIONAL FORENSIC UNIT; (II) ALL
SECURE TREATMENT FACILITIES, AS DEFINED IN SUBDIVISION (O) OF SECTION
10.03 OF THE MENTAL HYGIENE LAW, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
CENTRAL NEW YORK PSYCHIATRIC CENTER AND ST. LAWRENCE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER;
AND (III) ALL SECURE MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES HOLDING PEOPLE PURSUANT TO
SECTION FOUR HUNDRED TWO OR FIVE HUNDRED EIGHT OF THE CORRECTION LAW.
(B) THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE HELD IN EACH SECURE AND NON-SECURE FORENSIC
FACILITY SHALL BE BROKEN DOWN BY: (I) RACE, (II) AGE, (III) GENDER IDEN-
TITY, (IV) DOCUMENTED MENTAL HEALTH STATUS AND DIAGNOSES, (V) OTHER
DOCUMENTED DISABILITY, (VI) PREGNANCY OR POSTPARTUM STATUS, (VII) IDEN-
TIFICATION AS LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, TRANSGENDER, INTERSEX, OR GENDER
NONCONFORMING, (VIII) LENGTH OF STAY AT THEIR PRESENT FACILITY, (IX)
LENGTH OF STAY IN A SECURE OR NON-SECURE FACILITY, AND (X) LENGTH OF
STAY SINCE THEIR INITIAL CONFINEMENT.
24. (A) NOT LATER THAN NINETY DAYS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS
SUBDIVISION, THE SENATE SHALL ESTABLISH A COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE,
WITH NO LESS THAN FIVE MEMBERS. EACH MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY
COMMITTEE SHALL BE A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN CONFINED IN A SECURE FORENSIC
FACILITY, HAS OR HAS HAD A LOVED ONE CONFINED IN A SECURE FORENSIC
FACILITY, OR IS A FAITH LEADER, MEDICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL,
OR CIVIL RIGHTS OR HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE. ALL MEMBERS SHALL HAVE HAD
SOME EXPERIENCE ENGAGING IN ADVOCACY AIMED AT ENHANCING THE RIGHTS AND
TREATMENT OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS. NO LESS THAN HALF OF ALL
MEMBERS SHALL BE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN CONFINED IN A SECURE FORENSIC
FACILITY OR HAVE HAD A LOVED ONE CONFINED IN A SECURE FORENSIC FACILITY.
(B) MEMBERS OF SUCH COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL BE APPOINTED
FOR A TERM OF FIVE YEARS, WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF REAPPOINTMENTS. THE
S. 8310 11
COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE SHALL HAVE THE ABILITY TO DESIGNATE ANY
PERSON TO ASSIST THE WORK OF THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(C) NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW, THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY
COMMITTEE AND ITS DESIGNEES SHALL HAVE THE ABILITY TO MAKE UNANNOUNCED
VISITS TO, AND HAVE ACCESS TO EVERY AREA OF AND ALL NON-CLASSIFIED,
NON-PRIVILEGED DATA FROM, ALL SECURE AND NON-SECURE FORENSIC FACILITIES,
INCLUDING (I) THOSE THAT HOLD PEOPLE PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION AND
SECTION 730.50 OF THIS CHAPTER OR 14 NYCRR PART 57, AND INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO THE MID-HUDSON FORENSIC PSYCHIATRIC CENTER, KIRBY FOREN-
SIC PSYCHIATRIC CENTER, ROCHESTER REGIONAL FORENSIC UNIT, AND NORTHEAST
REGIONAL FORENSIC UNIT; (II) ALL SECURE TREATMENT FACILITIES, AS DEFINED
IN SUBDIVISION (O) OF SECTION 10.03 OF THE MENTAL HYGIENE LAW, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE CENTRAL NEW YORK PSYCHIATRIC CENTER AND ST.
LAWRENCE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER; AND (III) ALL SECURE MENTAL HEALTH FACILI-
TIES HOLDING PEOPLE PURSUANT TO SECTION FOUR HUNDRED TWO OR FIVE HUNDRED
EIGHT OF THE CORRECTION LAW.
(D) THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND ITS DESIGNEES SHALL HAVE THE
ABILITY TO CONDUCT IN-PERSON INTERVIEWS AND CORRESPOND AND COMMUNICATE
WITH PEOPLE HELD IN SECURE AND NON-SECURE FORENSIC FACILITIES AND FACIL-
ITY STAFF FREELY, PRIVATELY, AND CONFIDENTIALLY, UPON CONSENT OF THE
CONFINED PERSON OR FACILITY STAFF. ADMINISTRATORS OF EACH FACILITY SHALL
MEET PRIVATELY WITH THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE OR ITS DESIGNEES
UPON REQUEST.
(E) (I) ALL PEOPLE HELD IN A SECURE FACILITY SHALL HAVE THE RIGHT AND
ACCESS TO CONFIDENTIALLY COMMUNICATE WITH THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMIT-
TEE AND ITS DESIGNEES, INCLUDING WHILE THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
OR ITS DESIGNEES ARE AT THE FACILITY AND THROUGH FREE PHONE CALLS, FREE
MAIL CORRESPONDENCE, AND FREE EMAIL CORRESPONDENCE. SUCH COMMUNICATIONS
SHALL BE AFFORDED THE SAME LEVELS OF PROTECTION, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND
PRIVILEGE AS ATTORNEY-CLIENT CORRESPONDENCE.
(II) NO PERSON SHALL FACE ANY FORM OF RETALIATION OR ADVERSE IMPACT
FOR HAVING CONTACT WITH, OR BEING PERCEIVED TO HAVE HAD CONTACT WITH,
THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(F) THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND ITS DESIGNEES SHALL HAVE THE
RIGHT TO BRING AND USE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN ANY FORENSIC FACILITY,
INCLUDING VIDEO CAMERAS, PHOTOGRAPHIC CAMERAS, AUDIO RECORDING DEVICES,
MOBILE TELEPHONES, COMPUTERS, AND TABLETS, FOR THE PURPOSES OF RECORD-
ING, DOCUMENTATION, ADMINISTRATION OF SURVEYS, AND OTHER RELATED
PURPOSES.
(G) (I) THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND ITS DESIGNEES SHALL HAVE
THE RIGHT TO RECEIVE, ACCESS, INSPECT, AND COPY ALL RELEVANT NON-CLASSI-
FIED, NON-PRIVILEGED INFORMATION, RECORDS, AND DOCUMENTS IN THE
POSSESSION OR CONTROL OF ANY FORENSIC FACILITY, ANY ADMINISTRATOR OR
EMPLOYEE OF ANY FORENSIC FACILITY, AND ANY ADMINISTRATOR OR EMPLOYEE OF
THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH.
(II) THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND ITS DESIGNEES SHALL RECEIVE
ANY SUCH RECORDS WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF A REQUEST. WHERE THE RECORDS
REQUESTED BY THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE OR ITS DESIGNEES PERTAIN
TO A DEATH OF AN INCARCERATED INDIVIDUAL, THREATS OF BODILY HARM INCLUD-
ING SEXUAL OR PHYSICAL ASSAULTS, OR THE DENIAL OF NECESSARY MEDICAL
TREATMENT, THE RECORDS SHALL BE PROVIDED WITHIN FORTY-EIGHT HOURS UNLESS
MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE OR THEIR DESIGNEES CONSENT
TO AN EXTENSION OF THE DEADLINE.
(H) THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MAY MAKE PERIODIC RECOMMENDATIONS
TO THE GOVERNOR, TEMPORARY PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE, SPEAKER OF THE
ASSEMBLY, ANY FORENSIC FACILITY OR THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH. FOR ANY
S. 8310 12
RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO A FACILITY
OR THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH, THE FACILITY AND THE OFFICE OF MENTAL
HEALTH SHALL REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE WITHIN NINETY
DAYS WHETHER IT HAS DESIGNED AND IMPLEMENTED A REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN TO
ADDRESS THE RECOMMENDATIONS, AND TRANSMIT ANY SUCH REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN
TO THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MAY PUBLISH ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE OFFICE OF MENTAL
HEALTH'S WEBSITE.
§ 7. Subdivisions 3 and 5 of section 730.50 of the criminal procedure
law, subdivision 5 as amended by chapter 629 of the laws of 1974, are
amended to read as follows:
3. When a defendant is in the custody of the commissioner immediately
prior to the expiration of the period prescribed in the first order of
retention, the procedure set forth in subdivision two OF THIS SECTION
shall govern the application for and the issuance of any subsequent
order of retention, except that any subsequent orders of retention must
be for periods not to exceed two years each; provided, however, that the
aggregate of the periods prescribed in the temporary order of commit-
ment, the first order of retention and all subsequent orders of
retention must not exceed THE AUTHORIZED MINIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT,
OR two-thirds of the authorized maximum term of imprisonment for the
highest class felony charged in the indictment or for the highest class
felony of which [he] THE DEFENDANT was convicted, OR A TOTAL PERIOD OF
SIX YEARS, WHICHEVER PERIOD OF TIME EXPIRES FIRST.
5. When, on the effective date of this subdivision, any defendant
remains in the custody of the commissioner pursuant to an order issued
under former code of criminal procedure section six hundred sixty-two-b,
the superintendent or director of the institution where such defendant
is confined shall, if [he believes] THEY BELIEVE that the defendant
continues to be an incapacitated person, apply forthwith to a court of
record in the county where the institution is located for an order of
retention. The procedures for obtaining any order pursuant to this
subdivision shall be in accordance with the provisions of subdivisions
two, three and four of this section, except that the period of retention
pursuant to the first order obtained under this subdivision shall be for
not more than one year and any subsequent orders of retention must be
for periods not to exceed two years each; provided, however, that the
aggregate of the time spent in the custody of the commissioner pursuant
to any order issued in accordance with the provisions of former code of
criminal procedure section six hundred sixty-two-b and the periods
prescribed by the first order obtained under this subdivision and all
subsequent orders of retention must not exceed two-thirds of the author-
ized [maximum] MINIMUM term of imprisonment for the highest class felony
charged in the indictment or the highest class felony of which [he] THE
DEFENDANT was convicted, OR A TOTAL PERIOD OF SIX YEARS, WHICHEVER PERI-
OD OF TIME EXPIRES FIRST.
§ 8. All provisions of this act shall apply retroactively to all
people in the custody of the commissioner of mental health or the
commissioner of the office for people with developmental disabilities at
the time this act takes effect, and all time periods set forth in this
act shall apply to each such person beginning when the person was first
in the custody of the commissioner of mental health or the commissioner
of the office for people with developmental disabilities.
§ 9. This act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall
have become a law.