Emergency custody and voluntary and involuntary civil admissions hearings; special justice fees.
Impact
One significant impact of HB829 is the proposed increase in fees for special justices and judges presiding over these hearings. Specifically, the bill suggests raising fees from $86.25 to $143.75 per hearing, as well as adjusting fees for mental health professionals and other witnesses involved in the process. This change is intended to attract qualified individuals to participate in the legal proceedings surrounding mental health, thereby potentially improving the quality and efficiency of hearings.
Summary
House Bill 829 addresses the procedures surrounding emergency custody and voluntary and involuntary civil admissions hearings in the state of Virginia. The proposed legislation aims to amend existing statutes regarding the compensation of judges and other professionals involved in these hearings. By altering the fees associated with these processes, the bill seeks to ensure fair compensation for the work of special justices, retired judges, and other designated professionals overseeing mental health cases.
Contention
During discussions about the bill, it was noted that while there is broad agreement on the need for financial support for services related to mental health hearings, some legislators expressed concern over the potential rise in costs to the Commonwealth. Questions were raised about the financial implications of the fee increases, with concerns that they could place additional strain on state resources. The balance between providing adequate compensation and maintaining fiscal responsibility emerged as a critical point of contention among lawmakers.