Why 4/5: This bill significantly alters legal defenses and potential penalties for individuals with mental health conditions or disabilities in assault cases.
This bill establishes an affirmative defense or allows for a reduced penalty in assault cases if a person's mental illness, neurocognitive disorder, or intellectual/developmental disability contributed to their behavior. This change aims to provide more equitable legal outcomes for individuals with these conditions by acknowledging their impact on actions within the criminal justice system.
Update
Placed on Calendar
First reading
Read first time
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Cleared committee
Reported from Courts of Justice (15-Y 7-N)
Second reading
Read second time
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed House (56-Y 39-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB335ER)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Mental illness, neurocognitive disorder, etc.; affirmative defense or reduced penalty.”) · Read the actual bill →
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB335)
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Line-item veto
Governor's recommendation received by Senate