SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - The Senate has approved a proposal to eliminate a verdict of guilty but mentally ill.
Proponents said it's a verdict or plea that's seldom used and can confuse juries into thinking an offender will be guaranteed mental health treatment or may get a lesser sentence.
A person who is found guilty but mentally ill receives the same sentence as a regular verdict of guilty.
The bill passed the Senate 22-to-19 on Thursday and was sent to the House for consideration.
Opponents said the guilty but mentally ill verdict offers another option for juries to deal with defendants who have some mental illness but still recognize the difference between right and wrong.
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