Iowa Governor Culver signs “Ed Thomas Bill”
March 25th, 2010 - 1:27 am ICT by BNO NewsDES MOINES, IOWA (BNO NEWS) – Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed into law on Wednesday Senate File 2352, mental health notification legislation known as “Ed Thomas Bill,” during a ceremony at the Iowa Hall of Pride, the Office of the Governor announced.
The bill was named in honor of Ed Thomas, the Aplington-Parkersburg High School football coach murdered last year. Members of the Thomas family stood with the Governor at the ceremony.
“By any measure, Coach Thomas was a remarkable man,” Governor Culver said. “Words can’t truly explain the impact he had on his community and the people he loved. I was privileged to witness Coach Thomas’ leadership during the aftermath of the 2008 tornado that devastated Parkersburg. I’m proud to do my small part to honor Coach Thomas by signing this bill.”
Under the new law, if a person in custody is believed to be capable of injury himself or others, law enforcement personnel will have resources to require a formal mental evaluation by mental health professionals.
“This is common-sense legislation that will help prevent tragedy and get people the help they need. It will save lives.”
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