A bill to amend title 18 of the United States Code to modify the insanity defense in the Federal courts, and for other purposes.

(Measure failed of passage in House under suspension of the rules, roll call #394 (225-171))

Amends the Federal criminal code to make it a defense to a Federal prosecution that at the time of the offense the defendant suffered from a severe abnormal mental condition that grossly and demonstrably impaired his perception and understanding of the wrongfulness of his conduct.

Places the burden of proving the existence of this defense by the preponderance of the evidence on the defendant.

States that "abnormal mental condition" does not include voluntary intoxication.

Authorizes a verdict of "not responsible only by reason of insanity," if the defendant would be guilty but for the defense provided.

Amends the Federal Rules of Evidence to prohibit expert witnesses from offering opinions on the ultimate issue regarding mental incompetence.

Provides for an initial screening examination to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant lacks competence. Allows for a more thorough examination of the defendant if the initial results suggest incompetence.

Requires a hearing on the issue of competence and further examination on the issues of the likelihood of the defendant's recovery and the appropriate treatment. Allows for treatment if necessary. Requires in-patient treatment only when the defendant is dangerous, likely to flee, or in custody.

Transfers to State officials for State civil commitment certain defendants who have received the maximum treatment under this section or are found incompetent with no substantial probability of improvement.

Requires a board of examiners for every Federal penal and correctional institution which shall examine prisoners about whom there is probable cause to believe competence at trial was lacking even though the issue was not raised and determined. Requires the district court concerned to vacate conviction and order a new trial for any prisoner about whom such a board certifies that such probable cause does exist.

Allows a person serving a sentence of imprisonment to be transferred to a mental institution upon a showing of clear and convincing evidence that the prisoner is in need of treatment.

Establishes Federal commitment procedures for persons found "not guilty only by reason of insanity". Provides for a special examination of violent offenders in order to determine their dangerousness.

Provides for treatment of a person found not responsible only by reason of insanity. Provides procedures for conditional release in certain situations.