NY Gov Hochul seeks expanded involuntary commitment laws over violent crimes on subway

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, is taking steps to address the recent surge of violent crimes in the New York City subway system by proposing to expand the state’s involuntary commitment laws. This move aims to allow hospitals to compel more individuals with mental health struggles into treatment.

Hochul expressed her concerns on Friday, stating that many of the recent horrific incidents in the subway involved individuals with serious untreated mental illness. She emphasized the need to provide treatment to those who are living on the streets and disconnected from the mental health care system. The governor highlighted the duty to protect the public from random acts of violence and emphasized the importance of getting fellow New Yorkers the help they need.

While most people with mental illness are not violent, Hochul acknowledged that there is a small percentage at risk of causing harm. The proposed legislation aims to expand the definition of individuals who can be committed to ensure that more people receive the necessary care. Additionally, the governor plans to introduce another bill to streamline the process for courts to order assisted outpatient treatments for mental illness and facilitate voluntary participation in these treatments.

The current state law allows police to take individuals to hospitals for evaluation if they exhibit signs of mental illness and pose a risk of harm. Psychiatrists then assess the need for involuntary hospitalization. Hochul’s proposed changes seek to enhance the existing framework to better address mental health concerns and improve public safety.

However, critics, such as the New York Civil Liberties Union, have raised concerns about the potential infringement on individuals’ rights and liberties. They argue that increasing involuntary commitments may not effectively address underlying issues and could divert attention from addressing the root causes of problems.

The governor’s announcement follows a series of violent incidents in the subway, including a man pushing another onto tracks, a knife attack in Grand Central station, and a fatal burning of a sleeping woman. While the medical histories of the suspects in these cases are not fully known, Mayor Eric Adams has highlighted the importance of expanding mental health care laws to provide necessary support to those in need.

As Governor Hochul continues to push for legislative changes to address mental health challenges, the focus remains on enhancing public safety and ensuring that individuals receive the care they require. Collaborative efforts between government officials, law enforcement, mental health experts, and community stakeholders will be essential in implementing effective solutions to address mental health issues and reduce the risk of violence in public spaces.