The state legislature has passed a bill that allows the involuntary treatment of prisoners with psychotropic medication. Those in favor of the measure argue that the provision is needed to quickly treat prisoners with severe mental illness. Proponents say that prisoners who have serious mental health issues can cause harm to themselves or others inside a jail. They say a panel of two physicians must approve the involuntary treatment. Sponsors say the panel safeguards against abuses.
But those like Republican State Senator Phil Jensen disagree. Jensen says the safeguards are not sufficient to prevent the abuse of power and over use of these sort of drugs.
"Psychotropic drugs will be given to people who have been arrested but not charged much less convicted. Also the bill has a provision that allows the prisoner to appeal the decision. At that time will the prisoner be mentally fit to appeal assuming that at the time of appeal they will be heavily medicated on psychotropic medication," says Jensen.
Jensen argues that the bill includes no requirement for review from a psychiatrist before drugs are given in an emergency situation. The bill passed by a vote of 22 to 13 it heads next to the governor's desk.