SB481

Permitting a municipal judge to initiate a psychiatric or psychological examination to determine competence and setting forth relevant procedures.

Chamber Passed·2/24/26

Kansas SB481 allows municipal judges to order psychiatric or psychological examinations to determine a defendant's competency to stand trial.

Kansas SB481 establishes procedures for municipal judges to order psychiatric or psychological examinations to determine if a defendant is competent to stand trial. If a municipal judge finds reason to believe a defendant is incompetent, the proceedings are suspended. The court may order an examination by a qualified professional or facility. If the defendant is found incompetent, the charges are dismissed, and the city attorney may file a petition in district court. The bill also outlines procedures for handling costs, evidence, and the defendant's presence during examinations.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the Senate · 40–0 · Feb 24
Current
The House
Next
House floor vote

Sponsors

0
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Senate Emergency Final Action - Passed as amended - Yea: 40 Nay: 0

40 Yea

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0 Nay

Calendar

Mar 4

3:30 PM

House Judiciary Hearing

Feb 12

10:30 AM

Senate Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 20

House

House Stricken from Calendar by Rule 1507

Mar 11

House

House Committee Report recommending bill be passed by Committee on Judiciary

Mar 4

House

House Hearing: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 3:30 PM Room 582-N