New Law Grants Family Members More Power Over Mentally Ill

OLYMPIA (AP) — Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a law that will allow family members to ask a judge to step in if a mental health professional will not involuntarily commit a relative they believe could be suicidal or a danger to others.

Inslee signed "Joel's Law" joined by Doug and Nancy Reuter, the parents of the man for whom the measure was named. Joel Reuter was suicidal when Seattle police shot and killed him during a standoff in 2013.

The couple testified in support of the measure earlier this year, telling lawmakers they repeatedly tried to get the state to force their son into treatment but were turned away.

Under Senate Bill 5269, a court can order detention if, after reviewing the family member's petition and a statement and other information from the mental health professional, it finds that it is warranted