3.8.16

Suggested lead:   A reform effort sparked two years ago by a murder-suicide in Spokane produced a major piece of legislation Tuesday in Olympia.  Dan Frizzell has that story.

Wrap (:70 total):  The state House gave a final OK Tuesday to Sheena's Law, named in memory of murder victim Sheena Henderson.  Her shooting in July 2014 by her husband Christopher -- who then turned the gun on himself -- exposed several gaping holes in Washington's procedures for dealing with mental-health crises, and lawmakers have worked to plug those holes ever since.  Spokane state Representative Marcus Riccelli, a Democrat serving his second term in the House, worked closely with Sheena's friends and family to craft the bill that will help law enforcement call on mental-health professionals for assistance when confronted by persons in crisis.  

RICCELLI:  "The most important thing is for mental-health professionals to deal with mental health emergencies.  That was definitely the case in Chris and Sheena Henderson's tragic story.  I had the opportunity to meet with the family more than 30 times.  It took a two-year period, but through their tenacity it showed that grass-roots effort does truly impact what we do down here.  I believe this bill will help save lives all over our state." [:20]. 

An earlier version of Riccelli's bill died in the Republican-controlled Senate last year, but now that Sheena's Law has been approved in both the House and Senate, it's been sent to Governor Jay Inslee for his signature.  In Olympia, I’m Dan Frizzell.