Hays County moves toward jail-based competency restoration program

AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Hays County Commissioners Court began the process of approving a jail-based competency restoration (JBCR) program Tuesday, according to a statement from the county.

The program is expected to “provide therapy and treatment to help incompetent defendants understand the judicial system to assist their attorneys effectively in their own defense.”

Defendants deemed incompetent typically remain in the county's jail until Texas’ mental hospitals can accommodate and treat them...