Senator Janet Howell says in light of the Virginia Tech shootings, she is certain Virginia lawmakers will take action on the state's civil commitment process during this year's legislative session.

Howell made the comments during a panel discussion of Virginia's mental health care system at Tuesday's AP Day at the Capital, an annual gathering of journalists who cover government and the General Assembly. Virginia's mental health laws have come under scrutiny since a  mentally disturbed student killed 32 others and himself at Virginia Tech in April.

Among the issues is the state's civil commitment process. Under current law, people can be forced into treatment only if they present an "imminent danger" to themselves or others. But since the shootings, some have argued that the standard for commitment should be less stringent.