​​In 2013, a 28 year old named Joel Reuter was killed in a standoff with police while suffering from a mental health crisis.  When Joel started showing signs of crisis, his parents tried 48 times to get their son the help he needed. After his death his family organized and pushed for legislation to prevent such a situation from happening again. 

Joel's Law was approved by the Legislature in 2015. It allows courts to order involuntary commitment if, after reviewing a family member's petition and statement, the court finds that detention is warranted. The court essentially overrules the designated mental health professional's decision to not commit a family member to a facility.  If the court reviews and finds that there is probable cause, an individual can be picked up and brought to a facility.  The case then follows the usual procedure of the Involuntary Treatment Act.