LANSING, MI— A bill that would provide an alternate way for transporting people with severe mental illness for involuntary hospitalization has been signed into law.
Sponsored by Senator Ed McBroom, the law would let counties create a panel that could recommend the use of a private company to transport the individuals, instead of the police. The panel would consist of a member of law enforcement, the county administrator, a judge, and a mental health professional.
McBroom says such transports are expensive and could leave communities vulnerable for days at a time. The new law gives municipalities an option of contracting with qualified professionals.
