The Missouri House has approved a bill that would allow better access to the state's mental health facilities. Kelly Just reports from Jefferson City.
Members voted unanimously to adopt the so-called McBride bill.
The measure gives family members the power to treat a mentally ill person before they have hurt themselves or someone else...in other words, involuntary commitment.
Until now, most courts needed proof that physical harm had already happened before agreeing to such a commitment.
The bill also makes it more difficult for mental patients to get released from state facilities, if they have been found not guilty of committing a dangerous crime by reason of insanity.
Bill Sponsor, Gary Witt says his measure is meant to protect both the public and the mentally ill.
Despite a few changes made to the bill by the House, Witt says he doesn't expect opposition when the measure moves to the Senate.
From the State Capital, Kelly Just...KMOX news.
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