New law closes competency loophole to keep dangerous defendants from release
The "Logan and Austin Act" allows courts to evaluate prior behavior in serious criminal cases, heading a slate of newly enacted legislation that spans from education to digital rights
TOPEKA, Kan. — Gov. Laura Kelly signed bipartisan legislation April 9, 2026, that requires courts to thoroughly evaluate defendants charged with the most serious offenses before releasing them if found incompetent to stand trial.
Known as the Logan and Austin Act, Senate Bill 374 is named for two brothers murdered by their father in 2020. The law closes a critical gap by allowing prosecuting attorneys to initiate involuntary commitment proceedings and enabling courts to consider a defendant's prior convictions.
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