OLYMPIA — Family members will be able 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 under a measure signed into law Thursday by Gov. Jay Inslee.
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 July 2013.
“This is an unbelievable day,” Doug Reuter said after the signing, fighting back tears.
The couple, who often traveled from their Dallas home to Washington in support of the bill, 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 superior court judge can order detention if, after reviewing the family member’s petition and a statement and other information from the mental health professional, the judge finds it is warranted.