S 8567: Redefines culpability from not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect to responsible but for mental disease or defect; amends the procedures to be followed following a verdict or plea of responsible but for mental disease or defect; establishes maximum and minimum terms for persons sentenced upon such a verdict or plea.

  
  STATE OF NEW YORK ________________________________________________________________________ 8567 2025-2026 Regular Sessions  IN SENATE November 7, 2025 ___________ Introduced by Sen. GRIFFO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules AN ACT to amend the criminal procedure law, the mental hygiene law and the penal law, in relation to persons who enter a plea or are found responsible but for mental disease or defect The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem- bly, do enact as follows: 1 Section 1. Subdivision 6 of section 220.10 of the criminal procedure 2 law, as added by chapter 548 of the laws of 1980, is amended to read as 3 follows: 4 6. The defendant may, with both the permission of the court and the 5 consent of the people, enter a plea of [not] responsible [by reason of] 6 but for mental disease or defect to the indictment in the manner 7 prescribed in section 220.15 of this [chapter] article. 8 § 2. Section 220.15 of the criminal procedure law, as added by chapter 9 548 of the laws of 1980, subdivisions 1, 2 and 5 as amended by chapter 10 668 of the laws of 1984, is amended to read as follows: 11 § 220.15 Plea; plea of [not] responsible [by reason of] but for mental 12 disease or defect. 13 1. The defendant may, with both the permission of the court and the 14 consent of the people, enter a plea of [not] responsible [by reason of] 15 but for mental disease or defect to the entire indictment. The district 16 attorney must state to the court either orally on the record or in a 17 writing filed with the court that the people consent to the entry of 18 such plea and that the people are satisfied that the affirmative defense 19 of lack of criminal responsibility by reason of mental disease or defect 20 would be proven by the defendant at a trial by a preponderance of the 21 evidence. The district attorney must further state to the court in 22 detail the evidence available to the people with respect to the offense 23 or offenses charged in the indictment, including all psychiatric 24 evidence available or known to the people. If necessary, the court may EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets [ ] is old law to be omitted. LBD13957-01-5 
 S. 8567 2 1 conduct a hearing before accepting such plea. The district attorney 2 must further state to the court the reasons for recommending such plea. 3 The reasons shall be stated in detail and not in conclusory terms. 4 2. Counsel for the defendant must state that in [his] such counsel's 5 opinion defendant has the capacity to understand the proceedings and to 6 assist in [his] such defendant's own defense and that the defendant 7 understands the consequences of a plea of not responsible [by reason of] 8 but for mental disease or defect. Counsel for the defendant must 9 further state whether in [his] such counsel's opinion defendant has any 10 viable defense to the offense or offenses charged in the indictment 11 other than the affirmative defense of lack of criminal responsibility by 12 reason of mental disease or defect. Counsel for the defendant must 13 further state in detail the psychiatric evidence available to the 14 defendant with respect to such latter affirmative defense. 15 3. Before accepting a plea of [not] responsible [by reason of] but 16 for mental disease or defect, the court must address the defendant in 17 open court and determine that [he] such defendant understands each of 18 the following: 19 (a) The nature of the charge to which the plea is offered, and the 20 consequences of such plea; 21 (b) That [he] such defendant has the right to plead not guilty or to 22 persist in that plea if it has already been entered; 23 (c) That [he] such defendant has the right to be tried by a jury, the 24 right to the assistance of counsel, the right to confront and cross-exa- 25 mine witnesses against [him] such defendant, and the right not to be 26 compelled to incriminate [himself] themself; 27 (d) That if [he] such defendant pleads [not] responsible [by reason 28 of] but for mental disease or defect there will be no trial with respect 29 to the charges contained in the indictment, so that by offering such 30 plea [he] such defendant waives the right to such trial; 31 (e) That if [he] such defendant pleads [not] responsible [by reason 32 of] but for mental disease or defect the court will ask [him] such 33 defendant questions about the offense or offenses charged in the indict- 34 ment and that [he] such defendant will thereby waive [his] such defend- 35 ant's right not to be compelled to incriminate [himself] themself; and 36 (f) That the acceptance of a plea of [not] responsible [by reason of] 37 but for mental disease or defect is the equivalent of a verdict of [not] 38 responsible [by reason of] but for mental disease or defect after trial. 39 4. The court shall not accept a plea of [not] responsible [by reason 40 of] but for mental disease or defect without first determining that 41 there is a factual basis for such plea. The court must address the 42 defendant personally in open court and determine that the plea is volun- 43 tary, knowingly made, and not the result of force, threats, or promises. 44 The court must inquire whether the defendant's willingness to plead 45 results from prior discussions between the district attorney and counsel 46 for the defendant. The court must be satisfied that the defendant 47 understands the proceedings against [him] such defendant, has sufficient 48 capacity to assist in [his] such defendant's own defense and understands 49 the consequences of a plea of [not] responsible [by reason of] but for 50 mental disease or defect. The court may make such inquiry as it deems 51 necessary or appropriate for the purpose of making the determinations 52 required by this section. 53 5. Before accepting a plea of [not] responsible [by reason of] but 54 for mental disease or defect, the court must find and state each of the 55 following on the record in detail and not in conclusory terms: 
 S. 8567 3 1 (a) That it is satisfied that each element of the offense or offenses 2 charged in the indictment would be established beyond a reasonable doubt 3 at a trial; 4 (b) That the affirmative defense of lack of criminal responsibility 5 by reason of mental disease or defect would be proven by the defendant 6 at a trial by a preponderance of the evidence; 7 (c) That the defendant has the capacity to understand the proceedings 8 against [him] such defendant and to assist in [his] such defendant's own 9 defense; 10 (d) That such plea by the defendant is knowingly and voluntarily made 11 and that there is a factual basis for the plea; 12 (e) That the acceptance of such plea is required in the interest of 13 the public in the effective administration of justice. 14 6. When a plea of [not] responsible [by reason of] but for mental 15 disease or defect is accepted by the court and recorded upon the 16 minutes, the provisions of section 330.20 of this [chapter] title shall 17 govern all subsequent proceedings against the defendant. 18 § 3. Subdivisions 2 and 3 of section 220.60 of the criminal procedure 19 law, subdivision 2 as amended by chapter 1 of the laws of 1995 and 20 subdivision 3 as amended by chapter 548 of the laws of 1980, are amended 21 to read as follows: 22 2. A defendant who has entered a plea of not guilty to an indictment 23 may, with both the permission of the court and the consent of the 24 people, withdraw such plea at any time before the rendition of a verdict 25 and enter: (a) a plea of guilty to part of the indictment pursuant to 26 subdivision three or four but subject to the limitation in subdivision 27 five of section 220.10 of this article, or (b) a plea of [not] responsi- 28 ble [by reason of] but for mental disease or defect to the indictment 29 pursuant to section 220.15 of this [chapter] article. 30 3. At any time before the imposition of sentence, the court in its 31 discretion may permit a defendant who has entered a plea of guilty to 32 the entire indictment or to part of the indictment, or a plea of [not] 33 responsible [by reason of] but for mental disease or defect, to withdraw 34 such plea, and in such event the entire indictment, as it existed at the 35 time of such plea, is restored. 36 § 4. Subdivision 3 and paragraph (d) of subdivision 4 of section 37 300.10 of the criminal procedure law, subdivision 3 as amended by chap- 38 ter 668 of the laws of 1984 and paragraph (d) of subdivision 4 as 39 amended by chapter 548 of the laws of 1980, are amended to read as 40 follows: 41 3. Where a defendant has raised the affirmative defense of lack of 42 criminal responsibility by reason of mental disease or defect, as 43 defined in section 40.15 of the penal law, the court must, without elab- 44 oration, instruct the jury as follows: "A jury during its deliberations 45 must never consider or speculate concerning matters relating to the 46 consequences of its verdict. However, because of the lack of common 47 knowledge regarding the consequences of a verdict of [not] responsible 48 [by reason of] but for mental disease or defect, I charge you that if 49 this verdict is rendered by you there will be hearings as to the defend- 50 ant's present mental condition and, where appropriate, involuntary 51 commitment proceedings." 52 (d) Where appropriate, ["not responsible by reason of] "responsible 53 but for mental disease or defect." 54 § 5. Subdivision 2 of section 330.10 of the criminal procedure law, 55 as amended by chapter 548 of the laws of 1980, is amended to read as 56 follows: 
 S. 8567 4 1 2. Upon a verdict of [not] responsible [by reason of] but for mental 2 disease or defect, the provisions of section 330.20 of this [chapter] 3 article shall govern all subsequent proceedings against the defendant. 4 § 6. Section 330.20 of the criminal procedure law, as added by chapter 5 548 of the laws of 1980, paragraphs (a) and (b) of subdivision 1 as 6 amended by chapter 672 of the laws of 2019, paragraph (d) of subdivision 7 1 and the opening paragraph of subdivision 2 as amended by chapter 479 8 of the laws of 2022, paragraph (o) of subdivision 1, the closing para- 9 graph of subdivision 2 and subdivisions 7-a and 22 as amended by chapter 10 107 of the laws of 2004, subdivisions 2 and 20 as amended by chapter 693 11 of the laws of 1989, subdivision 2-a as added by chapter 1 of the laws 12 of 2013, subdivisions 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 as amended by chap- 13 ter 789 of the laws of 1985, subdivision 21 as added by chapter 976 of 14 the laws of 1983 and subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (a) of subdivision 15 21 as amended by chapter 330 of the laws of 1993, is amended to read as 16 follows: 17 § 330.20 Procedure following verdict or plea of [not] responsible [by 18 reason of] but for mental disease or defect. 19 1. Definition of terms. As used in this section, the following terms 20 shall have the following meanings: 21 (a) "Commissioner" means the state commissioner of mental health or 22 the state commissioner of the office for people with developmental disa- 23 bilities. 24 (b) "Secure facility" means a facility within the state office of 25 mental health or the state office for people with developmental disabil- 26 ities which is staffed with personnel adequately trained in security 27 methods and is so equipped as to minimize the risk or danger of escapes, 28 and which has been so specifically designated by the commissioner. 29 (c) "Dangerous mental disorder" means: (i) that a defendant currently 30 suffers from a "mental illness" as that term is defined in subdivision 31 twenty of section 1.03 of the mental hygiene law, and (ii) that because 32 of such condition [he] such defendant currently constitutes a physical 33 danger to [himself] themself or others. 34 (d) "Mentally ill" means that a defendant currently suffers from a 35 mental illness for which care and treatment as a patient, in the in-pa- 36 tient services of a psychiatric center under the jurisdiction of the 37 state office of mental health, is essential to such defendant's welfare 38 and that [his or her] their judgment is so impaired that [he] such 39 defendant is unable to understand the need for such care and treatment; 40 and, where a defendant has a developmental disability, the term "mental- 41 ly ill" shall also mean, for purposes of this section, that the defend- 42 ant is in need of care and treatment as a resident in the in-patient 43 services of a developmental center or other residential facility for 44 individuals with developmental disabilities under the jurisdiction of 45 the state office for people with developmental disabilities. 46 (e) "Examination order" means an order directed to the commissioner 47 requiring that a defendant submit to a psychiatric examination to deter- 48 mine whether the defendant has a dangerous mental disorder, or if [he] 49 such defendant does not have a dangerous mental disorder, whether [he] 50 such defendant is mentally ill. 51 (f) "Commitment order" or "recommitment order" means an order commit- 52 ting a defendant to the custody of the commissioner for confinement in a 53 secure facility for care and treatment [for six months from the date of 54 the order]. 55 (g) "First retention order" means an order which is effective [at the 56 expiration of the period prescribed in a commitment order for a recom- 
 S. 8567 5 1 mitment order, authorizing continued custody of a defendant by the 2 commissioner for a period not to exceed one year] after the defendant 3 has served the minimum period of imprisonment imposed at the time of 4 sentencing. 5 (h) "Second retention order" means an order which is effective at the 6 expiration of the period prescribed in a first retention order, author- 7 izing continued custody of a defendant by the commissioner for a period 8 not to exceed two years. 9 (i) "Subsequent retention order" means an order which is effective at 10 the expiration of the period prescribed in a second retention order or a 11 prior subsequent retention order authorizing continued custody of a 12 defendant by the commissioner for a period not to exceed two years. 13 (j) "Retention order" means a first retention order, a second 14 retention order or a subsequent retention order. 15 (k) "Furlough order" means an order directing the commissioner to 16 allow a defendant in confinement pursuant to a commitment order, recom- 17 mitment order or retention order to temporarily leave the facility for a 18 period not exceeding fourteen days, either with or without the constant 19 supervision of one or more employees of the facility. 20 (l) "Transfer order" means an order directing the commissioner to 21 transfer a defendant from a secure facility to a non-secure facility 22 under the jurisdiction of the commissioner or to any non-secure facility 23 designated by the commissioner. 24 (m) "Release order" means an order directing the commissioner to 25 terminate a defendant's in-patient status without terminating the 26 commissioner's responsibility for the defendant. 27 (n) "Discharge order" means an order terminating an order of condi- 28 tions or unconditionally discharging a defendant from supervision under 29 the provisions of this section. 30 (o) "Order of conditions" means an order directing a defendant to 31 comply with this prescribed treatment plan, or any other condition which 32 the court determines to be reasonably necessary or appropriate, and, in 33 addition, where a defendant is in custody of the commissioner, not to 34 leave the facility without authorization. In addition to such condi- 35 tions, when determined to be reasonably necessary or appropriate, an 36 order of conditions may be accompanied by a special order of conditions 37 set forth in a separate document requiring that the defendant: (i) stay 38 away from the home, school, business or place of employment of the 39 victim or victims, or of any witness designated by the court, of such 40 offense; or (ii) refrain from harassing, intimidating, threatening or 41 otherwise interfering with the victim or victims of the offense and such 42 members of the family or household of such victim or victims as shall be 43 specifically named by the court in such special order. An order of 44 conditions or special order of conditions shall be valid for five years 45 from the date of its issuance, except that, for good cause shown, the 46 court may extend the period for an additional five years. 47 (p) "District attorney" means the office which prosecuted the criminal 48 action resulting in the verdict or plea of [not] responsible [by reason 49 of] but for mental disease or defect. 50 (q) "Qualified psychiatrist" means a physician who (i) is a diplomate 51 of the American board of psychiatry and neurology or is eligible to be 52 certified by that board; or (ii) is certified by the American osteopath- 53 ic board of neurology and psychiatry or is eligible to be certified by 54 that board. 55 (r) "Licensed psychologist" means a person who is registered as a 56 psychologist under article one hundred fifty-three of the education law. 
 S. 8567 6 1 (s) "Psychiatric examiner" means a qualified psychiatrist or a 2 licensed psychologist who has been designated by the commissioner to 3 examine a defendant pursuant to this section, and such designee need not 4 be an employee of the department of mental hygiene. 5 2. Examination order; psychiatric examiners. Upon entry of a verdict 6 of [not] responsible [by reason of] but for mental disease or defect, or 7 upon the acceptance of a plea of [not] responsible [by reason of] but 8 for mental disease or defect, the court must immediately issue an exam- 9 ination order. Upon receipt of such order, the commissioner must desig- 10 nate two qualified psychiatric examiners to conduct the examination to 11 examine the defendant. In conducting their examination, the psychiatric 12 examiners may employ any method which is accepted by the medical profes- 13 sion for the examination of persons alleged to be suffering from a 14 dangerous mental disorder or to be mentally ill or having a develop- 15 mental disability. The court may authorize a psychiatrist or psychol- 16 ogist retained by a defendant to be present at such examination. The 17 clerk of the court must promptly forward a copy of the examination order 18 to the mental hygiene legal service and such service may thereafter 19 participate in all subsequent proceedings under this section. 20 In all subsequent proceedings under this section, prior to the issu- 21 ance of a special order of conditions, the court shall consider whether 22 any order of protection had been issued prior to a verdict of [not] 23 responsible [by reason of] but for mental disease or defect in the case, 24 or prior to the acceptance of a plea of [not] responsible [by reason of] 25 but for mental disease or defect in the case. 26 2-a. Firearm, rifle or shotgun surrender order. Upon entry of a 27 verdict of [not] responsible [by reason of] but for mental disease or 28 defect, or upon the acceptance of a plea of [not] responsible [by reason 29 of] but for mental disease or defect, or upon a finding that the defend- 30 ant is an incapacitated person pursuant to article seven hundred thirty 31 of this chapter, the court shall revoke the defendant's firearm license, 32 if any, inquire of the defendant as to the existence and location of any 33 firearm, rifle or shotgun owned or possessed by such defendant and 34 direct the surrender of such firearm, rifle or shotgun pursuant to 35 subparagraph (f) of paragraph one of subdivision a of section 265.20 and 36 subdivision six of section 400.05 of the penal law. 37 3. Examination order; place of examination. Upon issuing an examina- 38 tion order, the court must, except as otherwise provided in this subdi- 39 vision, direct that the defendant be committed to a secure facility 40 designated by the commissioner as the place for such psychiatric exam- 41 ination. The sheriff must hold the defendant in custody pending such 42 designation by the commissioner, and when notified of the designation, 43 the sheriff must promptly deliver the defendant to such secure facility. 44 [When the defendant is not in custody at the time of such verdict or 45 plea, because he was previously released on bail or on his own recogni- 46 zance, the court, in its discretion, may direct that such examination be 47 conducted on an out-patient basis, and at such time and place as the 48 commissioner shall designate. If, however, the commissioner informs the 49 court that confinement of the defendant is necessary for an effective 50 examination, the court must direct that the defendant be confined in a 51 facility designated by the commissioner until the examination is 52 completed.] 53 4. Examination order, duration. Confinement in a secure facility 54 pursuant to an examination order shall be for a period not exceeding 55 thirty days, except that, upon application of the commissioner, the 56 court may authorize confinement for an additional period not exceeding 
 S. 8567 7 1 thirty days when a longer period is necessary to complete the examina- 2 tion. If the initial hearing required by subdivision six of this section 3 has not commenced prior to the termination of such examination period, 4 the commissioner shall retain custody of the defendant in such secure 5 facility until custody is transferred to the sheriff in the manner 6 prescribed in subdivision six of this section. During the period of such 7 confinement, the physician in charge of the facility may administer or 8 cause to be administered to the defendant such emergency psychiatric, 9 medical or other therapeutic treatment as in [his] such physician's 10 judgment should be administered. [If the court has directed that the 11 examination be conducted on an out-patient basis, the examination shall 12 be completed within thirty days after the defendant has first reported 13 to the place designated by the commissioner, except that, upon applica- 14 tion of the commissioner, the court may extend such period for a reason- 15 able time if a longer period is necessary to complete the examination.] 16 5. Examination order; reports. After [he] a psychiatric examiner has 17 completed [his] their examination of the defendant, each psychiatric 18 examiner must promptly prepare a report of [his] their findings and 19 evaluation concerning the defendant's mental condition, and submit such 20 report to the commissioner. If the psychiatric examiners differ in their 21 opinion as to whether the defendant is mentally ill or is suffering from 22 a dangerous mental disorder, the commissioner must designate another 23 psychiatric examiner to examine the defendant. Upon receipt of the exam- 24 ination reports, the commissioner must submit them to the court that 25 issued the examination order. If the court is not satisfied with the 26 findings of these psychiatric examiners, the court may designate one or 27 more additional psychiatric examiners pursuant to subdivision [fifteen] 28 fourteen of this section. The court must furnish a copy of the reports 29 to the district attorney, counsel for the defendant and the mental 30 hygiene legal service. 31 6. Initial hearing; commitment order. After the examination reports 32 are submitted, the court must, within ten days of the receipt of such 33 reports, conduct an initial hearing to determine the defendant's present 34 mental condition and the period of commitment to be imposed. If the 35 defendant is in the custody of the commissioner pursuant to an examina- 36 tion order, the court must direct the sheriff to obtain custody of the 37 defendant from the commissioner and to confine the defendant pending 38 further order of the court, except that the court may direct the sheriff 39 to confine the defendant in an institution located near the place where 40 the court sits if that institution has been designated by the commis- 41 sioner as suitable for the temporary and secure detention of mentally 42 disabled persons. [At such initial hearing, the district attorney must 43 establish to the satisfaction of the court that the defendant has a 44 dangerous mental disorder or is mentally ill. If the court finds that 45 the defendant has a dangerous mental disorder, it must issue a commit- 46 ment order. If the court finds that the defendant does not have a 47 dangerous mental disorder but is mentally ill, the provisions of subdi- 48 vision seven of this section shall apply.] After reviewing the examina- 49 tion reports submitted pursuant to subdivision five of this section and 50 giving the district attorney and counsel for the defendant, as well as 51 any victim in the underlying criminal proceeding, the opportunity to be 52 heard regarding the length of commitment, the court must impose a mini- 53 mum period of commitment and a maximum period of commitment pursuant to 54 section 60.38 of the penal law. 55 7. [Initial hearing civil commitment and order of conditions. If, at 56 the conclusion of the initial hearing conducted pursuant to subdivision 
 S. 8567 8 1 six of this section, the court finds that the defendant is mentally ill 2 but does not have a dangerous mental disorder, the provisions of arti- 3 cles nine or fifteen of the mental hygiene law shall apply at that stage 4 of the proceedings and at all subsequent proceedings. Having found that 5 the defendant is mentally ill, the court must issue an order of condi- 6 tions and an order committing the defendant to the custody of the 7 commissioner. The latter order shall be deemed an order made pursuant to 8 the mental hygiene law and not pursuant to this section, and further 9 retention, conditional release or discharge of such defendant shall be 10 in accordance with the provisions of the mental hygiene law. If, at the 11 conclusion of the initial hearing, the court finds that the defendant 12 does not have a dangerous mental disorder and is not mentally ill, the 13 court must discharge the defendant either unconditionally or subject to 14 an order of conditions. 15 7-a.] Whenever the court issues a special order of conditions pursuant 16 to this section, the commissioner shall make reasonable efforts to noti- 17 fy the victim or victims or the designated witness or witnesses that a 18 special order of conditions containing such provisions has been issued, 19 unless such victim or witness has requested that such notice should not 20 be provided. 21 8. First retention order. When a defendant is in the custody of the 22 commissioner pursuant to a commitment order, the commissioner must, at 23 least thirty days prior to the expiration of the minimum period 24 prescribed in the order, apply to the court that issued the order, or to 25 a superior court in the county where the secure facility is located, for 26 a first retention order or a release order. The commissioner must give 27 written notice of the application to the district attorney, the defend- 28 ant, counsel for the defendant, and the mental hygiene legal service. 29 Upon receipt of such application, the court [may, on its own motion,] 30 shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the defendant has a danger- 31 ous mental disorder[, and it must conduct such hearing if a demand 32 therefor is made by the district attorney, the defendant, counsel for 33 the defendant, or the mental hygiene legal service within ten days from 34 the date that notice of the application was given to them] and whether 35 the defendant's release would pose a risk to the safety of another 36 person or the community. If such a hearing is held on an application for 37 retention, the commissioner must establish to the satisfaction of the 38 court that the defendant has a dangerous mental disorder or is mentally 39 ill and that the defendant's release would pose a risk to the safety of 40 another person or the community. The district attorney shall be entitled 41 to appear and present evidence at such hearing. If such a hearing is 42 held on an application for release, the district attorney must establish 43 to the satisfaction of the court that the defendant has a dangerous 44 mental disorder or is mentally ill. If the court finds that the defend- 45 ant has a dangerous mental disorder or is mentally ill and poses a risk 46 to the safety of another person or the community, it must issue a first 47 retention order. If the court finds that the defendant is mentally ill 48 but does not have a dangerous mental disorder and does not pose a risk 49 to the safety of another person or the community, it must issue a first 50 retention order and, pursuant to subdivision eleven of this section, a 51 transfer order and an order of conditions. If the court finds that the 52 defendant does not have a dangerous mental disorder and is not mentally 53 ill, it must issue a release order and an order of conditions pursuant 54 to subdivision twelve of this section. 55 9. Second and subsequent retention orders. When a defendant is in the 56 custody of the commissioner pursuant to a first retention order, the 
 S. 8567 9 1 commissioner must, at least thirty days prior to the expiration of the 2 period prescribed in the order, apply to the court that issued the 3 order, or to a superior court in the county where the facility is 4 located, for a second retention order or a release order. The commis- 5 sioner must give written notice of the application to the district 6 attorney, the defendant, counsel for the defendant, and the mental 7 hygiene legal service. Upon receipt of such application, the court [may, 8 on its own motion,] must conduct a hearing to determine whether the 9 defendant has a dangerous mental disorder[, and it must conduct such 10 hearing if a demand therefor is made by the district attorney, the 11 defendant, counsel for the defendant, or the mental hygiene legal 12 service within ten days from the date that notice of the application was 13 given to them] and whether the defendant's release would pose a risk to 14 the safety of another person or the community. If such a hearing is held 15 on an application for retention, the commissioner must establish to the 16 satisfaction of the court that the defendant has a dangerous mental 17 disorder or is mentally ill and that the defendant's release would pose 18 a risk to the safety of another person or the community. The district 19 attorney shall be entitled to appear and present evidence at such hear- 20 ing. If such a hearing is held on an application for release, the 21 district attorney must establish to the satisfaction of the court that 22 the defendant has a dangerous mental disorder or is mentally ill. If the 23 court finds that the defendant has a dangerous mental disorder or is 24 mentally ill and poses a risk to the safety of another person or the 25 community, it must issue a second retention order. If the court finds 26 that the defendant is mentally ill but does not have a dangerous mental 27 disorder, it must issue a second retention order and, pursuant to subdi- 28 vision eleven of this section, a transfer order and an order of condi- 29 tions. If the court finds that the defendant does not have a dangerous 30 mental disorder and is not mentally ill, it must issue a release order 31 and an order of conditions pursuant to subdivision twelve of this 32 section. When a defendant is in the custody of the commissioner prior to 33 the expiration of the period prescribed in a second retention order, the 34 procedures set forth in this subdivision for the issuance of a second 35 retention order shall govern the application for and the issuance of any 36 subsequent retention order. 37 10. Furlough order. The commissioner may apply for a furlough order, 38 pursuant to this subdivision, when a defendant is in [his] such commis- 39 sioner's custody pursuant to a commitment order, recommitment order, or 40 retention order and the commissioner is of the view that, consistent 41 with the public safety and welfare of the community and the defendant, 42 the clinical condition of the defendant warrants a granting of the priv- 43 ileges authorized by a furlough order. The application for a furlough 44 order may be made to the court that issued the commitment order, or to a 45 superior court in the county where the secure facility is located. The 46 commissioner must give ten days written notice to the district attorney, 47 the defendant, counsel for the defendant, and the mental hygiene legal 48 service. Upon receipt of such application, the court may, on its own 49 motion, conduct a hearing to determine whether the application should be 50 granted, and must conduct such hearing if a demand therefor is made by 51 the district attorney. If the court finds that the issuance of a 52 furlough order is consistent with the public safety and welfare of the 53 community and the defendant, and that the clinical condition of the 54 defendant warrants a granting of the privileges authorized by a furlough 55 order, the court must grant the application and issue a furlough order 56 containing any terms and conditions that the court deems necessary or 
 S. 8567 10 1 appropriate. If the defendant fails to return to the secure facility at 2 the time specified in the furlough order, then, for purposes of subdivi- 3 sion [nineteen] eighteen of this section, [he] such defendant shall be 4 deemed to have escaped. 5 11. Transfer order and order of conditions. The commissioner may apply 6 for a transfer order, pursuant to this subdivision, when a defendant is 7 in [his] such commissioner's custody pursuant to a retention order or a 8 recommitment order, and the commissioner is of the view that the defend- 9 ant does not have a dangerous mental disorder or that, consistent with 10 the public safety and welfare of the community and the defendant, the 11 clinical condition of the defendant warrants [his] their transfer from a 12 secure facility to a non-secure facility under the jurisdiction of the 13 commissioner or to any non-secure facility designated by the commission- 14 er. The application for a transfer order may be made to the court that 15 issued the order under which the defendant is then in custody[, or to a 16 superior court in the county where the secure facility is located]. The 17 commissioner must give ten days written notice to the district attorney, 18 the defendant, counsel for the defendant, and the mental hygiene legal 19 service. Upon receipt of such application, the court may, on its own 20 motion, conduct a hearing to determine whether the application should be 21 granted, and must conduct such hearing if the demand therefor is made by 22 the district attorney. At such hearing, the district attorney must 23 establish to the satisfaction of the court that the defendant has a 24 dangerous mental disorder or that the issuance of a transfer order is 25 inconsistent with the public safety and welfare of the community. The 26 court must grant the application and issue a transfer order if the court 27 finds that the defendant does not have a dangerous mental disorder, or 28 if the court finds that the issuance of a transfer order is consistent 29 with the public safety and welfare of the community and the defendant 30 and that the clinical condition of the defendant, warrants [his] such 31 defendant's transfer from a secure facility to a non-secure facility. A 32 court must also issue a transfer order when, in connection with an 33 application for a first retention order pursuant to subdivision eight of 34 this section or a second or subsequent retention order pursuant to 35 subdivision nine of this section, it finds that a defendant is mentally 36 ill but does not have a dangerous mental disorder. Whenever a court 37 issues a transfer order it must also issue an order of conditions. 38 12. Release order and order of conditions. [The] After the defendant 39 has completed the minimum term of commitment set forth in the commitment 40 order, the commissioner may apply for a release order, pursuant to this 41 subdivision, when a defendant is in [his] such commissioner's custody 42 pursuant to a retention order or recommitment order, and the commission- 43 er is of the view that the defendant no longer has a dangerous mental 44 disorder [and], is no longer mentally ill, and no longer poses a risk to 45 the safety of another person or the community. The application for a 46 release order may be made to the court that issued the order under which 47 the defendant is then in custody[, or to a superior court in the county 48 where the facility is located]. The application must contain a 49 description of the defendant's current mental condition, the past course 50 of treatment, a history of the defendant's conduct subsequent to [his] 51 such defendant's commitment, a written service plan for continued treat- 52 ment which shall include the information specified in subdivision (g) of 53 section 29.15 of the mental hygiene law, and a detailed statement of the 54 extent to which supervision of the defendant after release is proposed. 55 The commissioner must give ten days written notice to the district 56 attorney, the defendant, counsel for the defendant, and the mental 
 S. 8567 11 1 hygiene legal service. Upon receipt of such application, the court must 2 promptly conduct a hearing to determine the defendant's present mental 3 condition. At such hearing, the district attorney must establish to the 4 satisfaction of the court that the defendant has a dangerous mental 5 disorder [or], is mentally ill, or poses a risk to the safety of another 6 person or the community. If the court finds that the defendant has a 7 dangerous mental disorder, it must deny the application for a release 8 order. If the court finds that the defendant does not have a dangerous 9 mental disorder but is mentally ill, it must issue a transfer order 10 pursuant to subdivision eleven of this section if the defendant is then 11 confined in a secure facility. If the court finds that the defendant 12 does not have a dangerous mental disorder and is not mentally ill, it 13 must grant the application and issue a release order. A court must also 14 issue a release order when, in connection with an application for a 15 first retention order pursuant to subdivision eight of this section or a 16 second or subsequent retention order pursuant to subdivision nine of 17 this section, it finds that the defendant does not have a dangerous 18 mental disorder and is not mentally ill. Whenever a court issues a 19 release order it must also issue an order of conditions. If the court 20 has previously issued a transfer order and an order of conditions, it 21 must issue a new order of conditions upon issuing a release order. The 22 order of conditions issued in conjunction with a release order shall 23 incorporate a written service plan prepared by a psychiatrist familiar 24 with the defendant's case history and approved by the court, and shall 25 contain any conditions that the court determines to be reasonably neces- 26 sary or appropriate. It shall be the responsibility of the commissioner 27 to determine that such defendant is receiving the services specified in 28 the written service plan and is complying with any conditions specified 29 in such plan and the order of conditions. Where the defendant has been 30 committed to the custody of the commissioner until the expiration of the 31 maximum term set forth in the commitment order, the defendant must be 32 released unless the court determines that the defendant continues to 33 have a dangerous mental illness or a mental illness and poses a risk to 34 the safety of another person or the community. Where the court makes 35 such a determination, the court must refer the matter to the appropriate 36 supreme court for a proceeding pursuant to article nine of the mental 37 hygiene law. 38 13. [Discharge order. The commissioner may apply for a discharge 39 order, pursuant to this subdivision, when a defendant has been contin- 40 uously on an out-patient status for three years or more pursuant to a 41 release order, and the commissioner is of the view that the defendant no 42 longer has a dangerous mental disorder and is no longer mentally ill and 43 that the issuance of a discharge order is consistent with the public 44 safety and welfare of the community and the defendant. The application 45 for a discharge order may be made to the court that issued the release 46 order, or to a superior court in the county where the defendant is then 47 residing. The commissioner must give ten days written notice to the 48 district attorney, the defendant, counsel for the defendant, and the 49 mental hygiene legal service. Upon receipt of such application, the 50 court may, on its own motion, conduct a hearing to determine whether the 51 application should be granted, and must conduct such hearing if a demand 52 therefor is made by the district attorney. The court must grant the 53 application and issue a discharge order if the court finds that the 54 defendant has been continuously on an out-patient status for three years 55 or more, that he does not have a dangerous mental disorder and is not 
 S. 8567 12 1 mentally ill, and that the issuance of the discharge order is consistent 2 with the public safety and welfare of the community and the defendant. 3 14.] Recommitment order. At any time during the period covered by an 4 order of conditions an application may be made by the commissioner or 5 the district attorney to the court that issued such order, or to a supe- 6 rior court in the county where the defendant is then residing, for a 7 recommitment order when the applicant is of the view that the defendant 8 has a dangerous mental disorder. The applicant must give written notice 9 of the application to the defendant, counsel for the defendant, and the 10 mental hygiene legal service, and if the applicant is the commissioner 11 [he] they must give such notice to the district attorney or if the 12 applicant is the district attorney [he] they must give such notice to 13 the commissioner. Upon receipt of such application the court must order 14 the defendant to appear before it for a hearing to determine if the 15 defendant has a dangerous mental disorder. Such order may be in the form 16 of a written notice, specifying the time and place of appearance, served 17 personally upon the defendant, or mailed to [his] such defendant's last 18 known address, as the court may direct. If the defendant fails to 19 appear in court as directed, the court may issue a warrant to an appro- 20 priate peace officer directing [him] them to take the defendant into 21 custody and bring [him] such defendant before the court. In such circum- 22 stance, the court may direct that the defendant be confined in an appro- 23 priate institution located near the place where the court sits. The 24 court must conduct a hearing to determine whether the defendant has a 25 dangerous mental disorder. At such hearing, the applicant, whether [he] 26 they be the commissioner or the district attorney must establish to the 27 satisfaction of the court that the defendant has a dangerous mental 28 disorder. If the applicant is the commissioner, the district attorney 29 shall be entitled to appear and present evidence at such hearing; if the 30 applicant is the district attorney, the commissioner shall be entitled 31 to appear and present evidence at such hearing. If the court finds that 32 the defendant has a dangerous mental disorder, it must issue a recommit- 33 ment order. When a defendant is in the custody of the commissioner 34 pursuant to a recommitment order, the procedures set forth in subdivi- 35 sions eight and nine of this section for the issuance of retention 36 orders shall govern the application for and the issuance of a first 37 retention order, a second retention order, and subsequent retention 38 orders. 39 [15.] 14. Designation of psychiatric examiners. If, at any hearing 40 conducted under this section to determine the defendant's present mental 41 condition, the court is not satisfied with the findings of the psychiat- 42 ric examiners, the court may direct the commissioner to designate one or 43 more additional psychiatric examiners to conduct an examination of the 44 defendant and submit a report of their findings. In addition, the court 45 may on its own motion, or upon request of a party, may designate one or 46 more psychiatric examiners to examine the defendant and submit a report 47 of their findings. The district attorney may apply to the court for an 48 order directing that the defendant submit to an examination by a psychi- 49 atric examiner designated by the district attorney, and such psychiatric 50 examiner may testify at the hearing. 51 [16.] 15. Rehearing and review. Any defendant who is in the custody of 52 the commissioner pursuant to a commitment order, a retention order, or a 53 recommitment order, if dissatisfied with such order, may, within thirty 54 days after the making of such order, obtain a rehearing and review of 55 the proceedings and of such order in accordance with the provisions of 56 section 9.35 or 15.35 of the mental hygiene law. 
 S. 8567 13 1 [17.] 16. Rights of defendants. Subject to the limitations and 2 provisions of this section, a defendant committed to the custody of the 3 commissioner pursuant to this section shall have the rights granted to 4 patients under the mental hygiene law. 5 [18.] 17. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person 6 confined by reason of a commitment order, recommitment order or 7 retention order to a secure facility may be discharged or released 8 unless the commissioner shall deliver written notice, at least four days 9 excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, in advance of such discharge 10 or release to all of the following: 11 (a) the district attorney. 12 (b) the police department having jurisdiction of the area to which the 13 defendant is to be discharged or released. 14 (c) any other person the court may designate. 15 The notices required by this subdivision shall be given by the facili- 16 ty staff physician who was treating the defendant or, if unavailable, by 17 the defendant's treatment team leader, but if neither is immediately 18 available, notice must be given by some other member of the clinical 19 staff of the facility. Such notice must be given by any means reasonably 20 calculated to give prompt actual notice. 21 [19.] 18. Escape from custody; notice requirements. If a defendant is 22 in the custody of the commissioner pursuant to an order issued under 23 this section, and such defendant escapes from custody, immediate notice 24 of such escape shall be given by the department facility staff to: (a) 25 the district attorney, (b) the superintendent of state police, (c) the 26 sheriff of the county where the escape occurred, (d) the police depart- 27 ment having jurisdiction of the area where the escape occurred, (e) any 28 person the facility staff believes to be in danger, and (f) any law 29 enforcement agency and any person the facility staff believes would be 30 able to apprise such endangered person that the defendant has escaped 31 from the facility. Such notice shall be given as soon as the facility 32 staff know that the defendant has escaped from the facility and shall 33 include such information as will adequately identify the defendant and 34 the person or persons believed to be in danger and the nature of the 35 danger. The notices required by this subdivision shall be given by the 36 facility staff physician who was treating the defendant or, if unavail- 37 able, by the defendant's treatment team leader, but if neither is imme- 38 diately available, notice must be given by some other member of the 39 clinical staff of the facility. Such notice must be given by any means 40 reasonably calculated to give prompt actual notice. The defendant may be 41 apprehended, restrained, transported to, and returned to the facility 42 from which [he] such defendant escaped by any peace officer, and it 43 shall be the duty of the officer to assist any representative of the 44 commissioner to take the defendant into custody upon the request of such 45 representative. 46 [20.] 19. Required affidavit. No application may be made by the 47 commissioner under this section without an accompanying affidavit from 48 at least one psychiatric examiner supportive of relief requested in the 49 application, which affidavit shall be served on all parties entitled to 50 receive the notice of application. Such affidavit shall set forth the 51 defendant's clinical diagnosis, a detailed analysis of [his or her] such 52 defendant's mental condition which caused the psychiatric examiner to 53 formulate an opinion, and the opinion of the psychiatric examiner with 54 respect to the defendant. Any application submitted without the required 55 affidavit shall be dismissed by the court. 
 S. 8567 14 1 [21.] 20. Appeals. (a) A party to proceedings conducted in accordance 2 with the provisions of this section may take an appeal to an intermedi- 3 ate appellate court by permission of the intermediate appellate court as 4 follows: 5 (i) the commissioner may appeal from any release order, retention 6 order, transfer order, discharge order, order of conditions, or recom- 7 mitment order, for which [he] such commissioner has not applied; 8 (ii) a defendant, or the mental hygiene legal service on [his or her] 9 such defendant's behalf, may appeal from any commitment order, retention 10 order, recommitment order, or, if the defendant has obtained a rehearing 11 and review of any such order pursuant to subdivision [sixteen] fifteen 12 of this section, from an order, not otherwise appealable as of right, 13 issued in accordance with the provisions of section 9.35 or 15.35 of the 14 mental hygiene law authorizing continued retention under the original 15 order, provided, however, that a defendant who takes an appeal from a 16 commitment order, retention order, or recommitment order may not subse- 17 quently obtain a rehearing and review of such order pursuant to subdivi- 18 sion [sixteen] fifteen of this section; 19 (iii) the district attorney may appeal from any release order, trans- 20 fer order, discharge order, order of conditions, furlough order, or 21 order denying an application for a recommitment order which [he] such 22 district attorney opposed. 23 (b) An aggrieved party may appeal from a final order of the intermedi- 24 ate appellate court to the court of appeals by permission of the inter- 25 mediate appellate court granted before application to the court of 26 appeals, or by permission of the court of appeals upon refusal by the 27 intermediate appellate court or upon direct application. 28 (c) An appeal taken under this subdivision shall be deemed civil in 29 nature, and shall be governed by the laws and rules applicable to civil 30 appeals; provided, however, that a stay of the order appealed from must 31 be obtained in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (d) [hereof] 32 of this subdivision. 33 (d) The court from or to which an appeal is taken may stay all 34 proceedings to enforce the order appealed from pending an appeal or 35 determination on a motion for permission to appeal, or may grant a 36 limited stay, except that only the court to which an appeal is taken may 37 vacate, limit, or modify a stay previously granted. If the order 38 appealed from is affirmed or modified, the stay shall continue for five 39 days after service upon the appellant of the order of affirmance or 40 modification with notice of its entry in the court to which the appeal 41 was taken. If a motion is made for permission to appeal from such an 42 order, before the expiration of the five days, the stay, or any other 43 stay granted pending determination of the motion for permission to 44 appeal, shall: 45 (i) if the motion is granted, continue until five days after the 46 appeal is determined; or 47 (ii) if the motion is denied, continue until five days after the 48 movant is served with the order of denial with notice of its entry. 49 [22.] 21. Any special order of conditions issued pursuant to subpara- 50 graph (i) or (ii) of paragraph (o) of subdivision one of this section 51 shall bear in a conspicuous manner the term "special order of condi- 52 tions" and a copy shall be filed by the clerk of the court with the 53 sheriff's office in the county in which anyone intended to be protected 54 by such special order resides, or, if anyone intended to be protected by 55 such special order resides within a city, with the police department of 56 such city. The absence of language specifying that the order is a 
 S. 8567 15 1 "special order of conditions" shall not affect the validity of such 2 order. A copy of such special order of conditions may from time to time 3 be filed by the clerk of the court with any other police department or 4 sheriff's office having jurisdiction of the residence, work place, or 5 school of anyone intended to be protected by such special order. A copy 6 of such special order may also be filed by anyone intended to be 7 protected by such provisions at the appropriate police department or 8 sheriff's office having jurisdiction. Any subsequent amendment or revo- 9 cation of such special order may be filed in the same manner as provided 10 in this subdivision. Such special order of conditions shall plainly 11 state the date that the order expires. 12 § 7. Paragraph 3 of subdivision (g) of section 10.03 of the mental 13 hygiene law, as added by chapter 7 of the laws of 2007, is amended to 14 read as follows: 15 (3) A person charged with a sex offense who has been found [not] 16 responsible [by reason of] but for mental disease or defect for the 17 commission of that offense; 18 § 8. Subdivision (d) of section 10.05 of the mental hygiene law, as 19 amended by chapter 363 of the laws of 2012, is amended to read as 20 follows: 21 (d) The commissioner shall be authorized to designate multidiscipli- 22 nary staff, including clinical and other professional personnel, to 23 provide a preliminary review of the need for detained sex offenders to 24 be evaluated under the procedures of this section. When the commissioner 25 receives notice pursuant to subdivision (b) of this section, such staff 26 shall review and assess relevant medical, clinical, criminal, and insti- 27 tutional records, actuarial risk assessment instruments and other 28 records and reports, including records of parole release interviews 29 where applicable, and records and reports provided by the district 30 attorney of the county where the person was convicted, or in the case of 31 persons determined to be incapacitated or [not] responsible [by reason 32 of] but for mental disease or defect, the county where the person was 33 charged. Upon such review and assessment, the staff shall determine 34 whether the person who is the subject of the notice should be referred 35 to a case review team for evaluation. 36 § 9. Subdivision (j) of section 10.06 of the mental hygiene law, as 37 added by chapter 7 of the laws of 2007, is amended to read as follows: 38 (j) The respondent's commission of a sex offense shall be deemed 39 established and shall not be relitigated at the probable cause hearing, 40 whenever it appears that: (i) the respondent stands convicted of such 41 offense; (ii) the respondent previously has been found [not] responsible 42 [by reason of] but for mental disease or defect for the commission of 43 such offense or for an act or acts constituting such offense; or (iii) 44 the respondent was indicted for such offense by a grand jury but found 45 to be incompetent to stand trial for such offense. Whenever the petition 46 alleges the respondent's commission of a designated felony prior to the 47 effective date of this article, the issue of whether there is probable 48 cause to believe that the commission of such offense was sexually moti- 49 vated shall be determined by the court. 50 § 10. Subdivision (c) of section 10.07 of the mental hygiene law, as 51 added by chapter 7 of the laws of 2007, is amended to read as follows: 52 (c) The provisions of subdivision (g) of section 10.08 of this article 53 and article forty-five of the civil practice law and rules shall be 54 applicable to trials conducted pursuant to this section. The jury may 55 hear evidence of the degree to which the respondent cooperated with the 56 psychiatric examination. If the court finds that the respondent refused 
 S. 8567 16 1 to submit to a psychiatric examination pursuant to this article, upon 2 request it shall so instruct the jury. The respondent's commission of a 3 sex offense shall be deemed established and shall not be relitigated at 4 the trial, whenever it is shown that: (i) the respondent stands 5 convicted of such offense; or (ii) the respondent previously has been 6 found [not] responsible [by reason of] but for mental disease or defect 7 for the commission of such offense or for an act or acts constituting 8 such offense. Whenever the petition alleges the respondent's commission 9 of a designated felony prior to the effective date of this article, the 10 issue of whether such offense was sexually motivated shall be determined 11 by the jury. 12 § 11. Paragraphs 1 and 3 of subdivision (a) of section 67.08 of the 13 mental hygiene law, as added by chapter 306 of the laws of 2019, are 14 amended to read as follows: 15 (1) Such applicant has been committed to and placed in the custody of 16 the department upon a verdict of [not] responsible [by reason of] but 17 for mental disease or defect pursuant to section 330.20 of the criminal 18 procedure law; 19 (3) The transfer nation is either a "treaty nation" under the COE or 20 any other nation with which the United States has a prisoner transfer 21 treaty that permits the transfer of persons committed to psychiatric 22 institutions after a verdict of [not] responsible [by reason of] but for 23 mental disease or defect. 24 § 12. The penal law is amended by adding a new section 60.38 to read 25 as follows: 26 § 60.38 Authorized disposition; verdict or plea of responsible but for 27 mental disease or defect. 28 When a person is to be sentenced upon a verdict or plea of responsible 29 but for mental disease or defect, the provisions of section 330.20 of 30 the criminal procedure law shall apply. When a person is committed to 31 the custody of the commissioner of mental health pursuant to section 32 330.20 of the criminal procedure law for a felony offense, then the 33 following maximum and minimum terms shall apply: 34 1. If the sentence is to be imposed for a class A felony for homicide, 35 then the maximum term shall be life and the minimum term shall be 36 fifteen to twenty years; 37 2. If the sentence is to be imposed for a class A felony other than 38 homicide or a drug related offense, then the maximum term shall be 39 twelve to fifteen years and the minimum term shall be four to six years; 40 3. If the sentence is to be imposed for a class A felony for a drug 41 related offense, then the maximum term shall be ten years and the mini- 42 mum term shall be one third of the maximum term imposed or one half of 43 the maximum term imposed for a second felony offense; 44 4. If the sentence is to be imposed for a class B felony, then the 45 maximum term shall be seven to ten years and the minimum term shall be 46 one third of the maximum term imposed or one half of the maximum term 47 imposed for a second felony offense; 48 5. If the sentence is to be imposed for a class C felony, then the 49 maximum term shall be five to seven years and the minimum term shall be 50 one third of the maximum term imposed or one half of the maximum term 51 imposed for a second felony offense; 52 6. If the sentence is to be imposed for a class D felony, then the 53 maximum term shall be two to four years and the minimum term shall be 54 one third of the maximum term imposed or one half of the maximum term 55 imposed for a second felony offense; and 
 S. 8567 17 1 7. If the sentence is to be imposed for a class E felony, then the 2 maximum term shall be two years and the minimum term shall be one third 3 of the maximum term imposed or one half of the maximum term imposed for 4 a second felony offense. 5 Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, when a person who 6 is committed to the custody of the commissioner of mental health pursu- 7 ant to section 330.20 of the criminal procedure law for a felony offense 8 has served the maximum sentence pursuant to this section and the court 9 determines that such person continues to have a dangerous mental illness 10 or a mental illness and poses a risk to the safety of another person or 11 the community, the court must refer the matter to the appropriate 12 supreme court for a proceeding pursuant to article nine of the mental 13 hygiene law in accordance with section 330.20 of the criminal procedure 14 law. 15 § 13. This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day 16 after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, 17 amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the 18 implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be 19 made and completed on or before such effective date.