Published: August 15, 2002
Laura's
Law wins key legislative victory
Senate Judiciary Committee approves bill to reform
treatment of seriously mentally ill
SACRAMENTO - The Senate Judiciary Committee today passed legislation by Assemblywoman Helen Thomson (D Davis) which would provide intensive outpatient treatment for those with a severe mental illness who are non compliant due to their illness. The bill is named after Laura Wilcox, a Nevada County 19 year old who was murdered in January 2001 by a mentally ill man who had refused to accept treatment. Her parents, Nick and Amanda Wilcox, testified in support of the measure.
"AB 1421 adds a new outpatient commitment program, modeled after a successful program in New York, to serve persons identified as not being adequately served by existing voluntary or involuntary treatment services. This bill will save lives and relieve family members of the anguish they suffer when trying to get treatment fur their mentally ill loved ones," Thomson said.
Key provisions of AB 1421:
- Authorize court ordered outpatient treatment for those who have a severe mental illness and treatment will prevent a relapse that would be likely to result in grave disability or serious harm to self or others.
- Authorize people who qualify for the AOT program OR an existing inpatient commitment to choose intensive outpatient treatment services without a court order, known as a "settlement agreement."
- Require extensive due process rights for persons subject to an AOT court order.
- Prohibits involuntary medication except as authorized under current law.
- Provide the program is optional for counties that meet certain criteria and choose to implement AOT.
- Require the collection of extensive outcome data to measure the program's success.
Thomson has been working on the legislation for four years including a previous bill, AB 1800, which stalled in the Senate Rules Committee. "Today's vote is a major breakthrough," said Thomson. "The powerful testimony from the Wilcox family, the hard work of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and a united effort by law enforcement and health care professionals has won the day. I am confident we will win approval from the full Senate and put this bill on the. Governor's desk before the session ends."
AB 1421 passed on a 4-2 vote and will next be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
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