Criminal procedure: other; dismissal of charges against a defendant determined incompetent to stand trial; revise. Amends secs. 1034 & 1044 of 1974 PA 258 (MCL 330.2034 & 330.2044).

HB 4596 clarifies the timeline for dismissing criminal charges against defendants deemed incompetent to stand trial in Michigan. It requires charges to be dismissed 15 months after the defendant was initially found incompetent or after they began treatment to become competent - whichever comes first. Prosecutors may refile charges for life felony offenses if the defendant later becomes competent, but only after a court hearing confirming competency. The bill also adds requirements for courts to notify attorneys and medical supervisors when dismissal orders expire or are voided.