Governor Kathy Hochul plans to introduce legislation in her executive budget to expand the criteria for involuntary mental health commitments, citing rising subway violence.
The proposal aims to make it easier to commit individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others and streamline court-ordered outpatient treatment. Hochul also highlighted a need for better voluntary outpatient care options.
The announcement follows recent high-profile subway attacks and ongoing legal challenges over transparency in the state’s subway safety initiatives. Critics argue for improved mental health care funding and accountability in the system.
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