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Community discussion centers on gun violence and mental health issues

Posted: Thu, Mar 22, 2018 10:25 AM
Sheriff Dan Marx and Emergency Management Coordinator Sean Snyder meet with community residents

Winneshiek County Sheriff Dan Marx and Emergency Management Coordinator Sean Snyder met with community members at Family Table Thursday morning.

It was a time for community members to ask questions and voice any concerns they may have. The main topics of discussion were gun violence and mental health issues.

Sheriff Marx mentioned the House File 2456, which is a bill relating to behavioral health, including provisions relating to involuntary commitments and hospitalizations, the disclosure of mental health information to the law enforcement professionals and mental health and disability services.

House File 2456 was approved 49-0 in the Iowa Senate on Wednesday.  Governor Kim Reynolds is expected to sign the bill.

"I think they are addressing the mental health situation. They've taken a positive step that might make positive headway. It won't solve all our problems, but it is a start," commented Sheriff Marx.

Sheriff Marx reminded community members it is important to keep individual rights in mind on every issue and his job is to follow the Constitution, no matter what, in each situation.