New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is calling for an expansion of involuntary mental health commitments in 2025, a decision she says was driven by the recent wave of violent subway attacks. Hochul plans to use her executive budget to address the lack of mental health resources available to New Yorkers in crisis.
This week, someone pushed a man onto subway tracks. And last month, a woman died after someone set her on fire aboard a Coney Island train. Hochul said these incidents involved individuals struggling with serious mental illness who had failed to get treatment.
“We need to ensure that those suffering from severe mental illness are getting the care they need,” Hochul said in a recent announcement.
Under current New York law, hospitals can involuntarily hold a person believed to be a danger to themselves or others. Once admitted, two doctors must evaluate the person and determine if they pose a threat, allowing doctors to hold them for up to 60 days.
Police officers and other healthcare professionals can also have individuals committed for treatment.
Hochul’s proposal aims to use $1 billion to improve care and expand current laws. It also includes Kendra’s Law, which mandates court-ordered outpatient care for individuals with mental illnesses.
In her announcement, Hochul acknowledged past setbacks. She noted that the legislature had rejected her previous efforts to expand access to mental health resources.
“It is my sincere hope that everyone in the legislature is paying attention to what is unfolding in our city and state,” she said.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams supports Hochul’s proposal, saying it responds to the city’s need for enhanced psychiatric care. Similar to Hochul, Adams also pointed to the city’s homeless population. He said many of them lack basic needs and end up making choices that contribute to violent incidents.
However, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) has criticized Hochul’s plan. They argued that involuntary commitments fail to address more systemic issues.
“The current system fails those subject to involuntary commitment. They are bounced from one under-resourced facility after another before returning to the street,” said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman.
A New York City council member also expressed concern, saying that the real issue isn’t the law but its lack of enforcement in many cases.
Lawmakers say they are open to new legislation. Still, they emphasized the need for a carefully crafted bill that protects public safety while addressing mental health needs.
