relative to restoration of competency to stand trial for criminal defendants.

HB 480 establishes a 2-year pilot program in one New Hampshire county (Merrimack or Strafford) to improve competency restoration for criminal defendants declared incompetent to stand trial. It creates neutral "forensic liaison" roles to coordinate between courts, attorneys, and mental health providers, helping defendants access evaluations, treatment, and reduce barriers to care. The program aims to address New Hampshire’s low restoration rate (44% in 2019) by formalizing a system that currently lacks structured support, unlike national averages showing 81% success. The liaisons will track progress, share updates with the court, and report outcomes to improve the state’s competency restoration process.