WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Legislature sends Joel’s Law mental health care reform bill to governor

OLYMPIA – Today both chambers passed a final version of Joel’s Law, the mental health care reform bill that will allow families to get emergency mental health treatment for their family members in crisis.

Rep. Brady Walkinshaw (D – Seattle) is the House sponsor of Joel’s Law, named after Joel Reuter, a young man from Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood who was tragically shot in his apartment after an armed standoff with police. Joel struggled with mental illness.

“This gives families a voice when it comes to ensuring their loved ones are given the care they need when suffering from a mental health crisis,” Walkinshaw said.

Joel’s parents tried 48 times to get their son the help he needed from Washington’s underfunded mental health system. This session his parents were the biggest advocates of the law named after their late son.

“Since Joel’s death, his courageous parents have been in our offices working tirelessly for this law in memory of their son,” Walkinshaw said. “No parents should have to share in that experience. This law would give families the tools they need to help their loved ones before a tragedy.”

Joel’s Law will allow immediate family members to petition the court for urgent intervention for their loved ones to access mental health evaluation and treatment.

The bill will now be delivered to Governor Jay Inslee for signing.