On January 3, the Second Judicial District Court (SJDC) released Administrative Order 2023-02 pertaining to establishing a competency court and implementing procedures for the court.
Judge Egan Walker, Department 7, is appointed to serve as the presiding judge in the SJDC Competency Court. All initial civil competency matters filed in SJDC arising before bind over of criminal proceedings from justice court shall be heard by the competency court. If Department 7 is not available to hear or proceed with competency court proceedings, the chief judge shall select an alternate judicial department.
As the establishment of competency court evolves, Department 7 shall promulgate internal rules and regulations as it deems reasonable and necessary for efficiency and serves the interests of justice, subject to approval by the chief judge. At any time prior to bind over when competency is called into question, the resulting civil proceeding shall be referred to the competency court.