A controversial expansion of New York’s mental hygiene law is currently part of ongoing negotiations regarding the state budget, illustrating the extent to which new statutes are being explored and scrutinized. The proposed law would relax the criteria for involuntary psychiatric hospitalization, allowing it to extend beyond just posing an immediate or substantial risk to oneself or others, to include the inability to provide for essential needs.

Those arguing for this expansion point to the need for heightened public safety, especially in spaces like the New York City subway. Those opposed say the law would violate the civil liberties of those struggling with mental health conditions. Their heated debate reflects the challenge of striking the right balance. Unfortunately, neither side........

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