Assembly takes up number of mental health bills at Capitol Tuesday

MADISON (WITI) -- The state Assembly aims for a comprehensive solution to the state's mental health care problems -- and the issue brought a rare show of bi-partisanship at the state Capitol on Tuesday, November 12th.

It's the most comprehensive reform to Wisconsn's mental health system in state history, as Republicans and Democrats come together on 13 different bills.

The Assembly on Tuesday, November 12th voted on several bills aimed at improving psychiatric care in the state of Wisconsin. It is the work of a bipartisan Commission on Mental Health.

"Regardless of party, I think people want us to roll up our sleeves, earn your pay, work on problems that actually affect real people's lives," Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said.

Mental health treatment problems have been an issue for decades, but after recent mass shootings where gunmen had mental health problems, the issue has received much more attention.

"Could it prevent something from happening in the future?  I certainly hope it does, but that's not the only reason we did it," Rep. Vos said.

A package of more than a dozen bills would add resources to existing programs, provide grants for law enforcement intervention teams and training, creating a hotline for doctors and providing grants for doctors who provide care to underserved areas.

One bill seems aimed at preventing cases like that of Jaren Kuester.

The 31-year-old is accused of killing three people. His family had tried to get him treatment, but authorities would not hold him against his will in a mental health facility.

Under current law, it's very hard to have someone involuntarily committed. The process involves a District Attorney review and a court filing seeking the move.

"AB 488 would provide an avenue for those desperate families to have one last ditch attempt at having their case heard," Rep. John Jagler (R - Watertown) said.

The bill would allow families to petition for involuntary commitments if three adults allege the person is mentally ill and dangerous.

"This is a statewide issue.  The urban areas have problems.  The rural areas have problems. Stigma remains huge.  It's huge across the state," Rep. Sandy Pasch (D - Shorewood) said.

Similar bills have been authored in the state Senate, and will likely come up for a vote in January of February.