Task force to review criminal insanity proposed by Central Washington lawmaker [Video]

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Senator Nikki Torres with the 15th Legislative District representing Yakima and Benton Counties is pushing a bill that would create a task force to review and modernize laws related to criminal insanity and competency to stand trial.

Senate Bill 5147 received a public hearing in Olympia January 20th before the Senate Committee on Law and Justice.

Several people testified in support of the bill including Michael Transon with the Washington chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

“We have 20 affiliates around the state that work to help us do that work, and we’re committed to the principles of all individuals, including people of color, including those with mental illness,” Transon said. “We know the realities of stigma. We know the realities of prejudice. We know the realities of discrimination that come along with those who have mental health conditions. Perception of mental illness and behavior health conditions will not go away unless …