SALEM, Ore. — A federal judge on Monday denied Marion County’s request to file a response opposing a motion by Disability Rights Oregon (DRO) in the ongoing Mink/Bowman case concerning admissions and treatment policies at the Oregon State Hospital.
The county had sought permission to formally respond to DRO’s motion, which proposes limiting which individuals may be admitted to the state hospital for competency restoration services and how long patients may remain in treatment.
If granted, the motion could restrict admission eligibility for certain criminally charged individuals, a change Marion County officials say could result in some defendants being released from custody before receiving stabilization or competency treatment.
DRO’s filing asks the court to narrow the categories of criminal charges that qualify for hospital-based competency restoration. According to the motion, proposed exclusions would include individuals charged with offenses such as property damage exceeding $1,000, possession or use of a stolen vehicle, theft over $1,000, burglary, identity theft (including scams targeting seniors), aggravated harassment, disorderly conduct, and failure to appear in court on a felony charge.
Marion County Chair Commissioner Colm Willis criticized the proposal, arguing it would undermine public safety and reduce access to necessary treatment.
“It’s absurd that Disability Rights Oregon is advocating to take away treatment from criminally-charged individuals causing harm in our community,” Willis said in a statement. “Allowing these individuals to continue to freely and openly cause harm to our community instead of getting them the help they need is dangerous and irresponsible. Marion County residents deserve better.”
The dispute comes amid ongoing concerns about capacity and staffing at the Oregon State Hospital, which county officials say has contributed to delays in admitting individuals ordered for competency restoration.
Marion County officials said they are continuing to evaluate legal and policy options as the case proceeds and as broader challenges related to state hospital operations remain unresolved.
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