(March 28, 2017) Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin yesterday vetoed Senate Bill 91, Tim's Law, which would have closed a gap in treatment for people with severe mental illness in the Commonwealth. Support for Tim's Law has been far-reaching and bipartisan, with the legislature passing SB 91 by a nearly unanimous vote.
Tim's Law would help end more preventable tragedies by allowing judges in Kentucky to order outpatient treatment for up to a year for people suffering from severe mental illness. The law would apply to those whose are unable to recognize the severity of their condition and who have a history of not complying with needed treatment. Without treatment, too many of these individuals are caught in a revolving door of incarceration and hospitalization.
Tim's Law is a tool that Kentucky needs to help its most vulnerable citizens with mental illness. Kentucky must override the veto.
Tim's Law would help end more preventable tragedies by allowing judges in Kentucky to order outpatient treatment for up to a year for people suffering from severe mental illness. The law would apply to those whose are unable to recognize the severity of their condition and who have a history of not complying with needed treatment. Without treatment, too many of these individuals are caught in a revolving door of incarceration and hospitalization.
Tim's Law is a tool that Kentucky needs to help its most vulnerable citizens with mental illness. Kentucky must override the veto.