Nebraska lawmakers are working to improve legal procedures for defendants with severe mental health issues through Legislative Bill 350. Introduced by Senator John Cavanaugh, the bill aims to speed up the process of determining a defendant’s mental competency by reducing the time for related court hearings from 60 days to just 5. It also mandates that reports be filed directly with the court to improve communication and efficiency. Criminal defense attorney Spike Eickholt supports the bill, noting it will help prevent mentally unfit defendants from being stuck in the legal system without receiving needed care. LB 350 stems from recommendations by the 2022 Mental Health Care Capacity Strategic Planning Committee. The bill is still awaiting a decision from the legislature.