Trial begins on competency wait lists for the mentally ill

SEATTLE (AP) — A federal trial is set to begin Monday in Seattle in a lawsuit filed by lawyers for mentally ill people who were forced to wait weeks or months in jail for competency evaluations.

The lawsuit was filed by disability rights lawyers and the American Civil Liberties Union against the Washington state human services agency.

The judge has already ruled that the practice is unconstitutional. The trial in U.S. District Court will establish a plan for fixing it.

The trial begins as the Legislature debates bills that seek to shorten wait times and provide treatment.

In a criminal case, if there's a question on whether a defendant is mentally able to participate in his defense, the judge will order a competency evaluation. But bed and staffing shortages at psychiatric hospitals have left hundreds of people waiting weeks or months in jail cells.