Mayor Eric Adams has introduced a new legislative proposal aimed at combating public drug use in New York City by expanding authority for involuntary treatment of individuals struggling with substance abuse disorders. The proposed “Compassionate Interventions Act” was unveiled on August 13, 2025, during an address at the New York Hilton Midtown.
“Today I’m putting forward our proposal for those who have been considered a lost cause”, Adams announced during his presentation.
If passed, the bill would give medical professionals and judges the ability to mandate treatment for individuals who appear to be struggling with addiction and refuse voluntary care. This measure builds upon earlier legislation that expanded criteria for involuntary commitment to include individuals unable to care for their essential needs due to mental illness. Officials note that the new proposal would extend these powers to address the visible issue of substance abuse in public spaces.
Addressing Public Drug Use in New York City
The Adams administration describes the proposed legislation as a necessary step to address the prevalence of public drug use in areas like the Hub in the Bronx, where addicts can often be seen openly using narcotics. Officials contend that the existing laws do not adequately cover individuals who are under the influence of drugs but do not show obvious signs of mental crisis.
The mayor emphasized the importance of overcoming political resistance to get the legislation passed. “What you are finding is our state houses and our city council have been hijacked by the numerical minority”, Adams said.
If enacted, the bill would bring New York in line with 37 other states that already permit involuntary commitment for individuals with substance abuse disorders, according to city officials. The Adams administration intends to introduce the legislation during the 2026 state legislative session, although it has yet to secure a sponsor in Albany.
Building on Previous Initiatives
The proposed bill follows the “Supportive Interventions Act”, a law passed earlier this year that expanded the criteria for involuntary commitment to include individuals unable to meet basic needs due to mental illness. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who supported that legislation, stated she was not yet familiar with Adams’ new proposal. “I feel proud of what we did in that case, I just don’t know the details of what the mayor is proposing”, Hochul said during a recent event in Schenectady.
Officials from the governor’s office suggested that the earlier law may already cover individuals with co-occurring substance abuse disorders. However, City Hall argues that the existing measures do not sufficiently address the broader issue of public drug use.
The mayor’s plan includes a $27 million investment to improve access to drug treatment, an additional $14 million to bolster funding for syringe service programs, and the creation of a new drop-in facility in the Bronx’s Hub neighborhood. These efforts are part of his broader “End Anything Goes” campaign, which aims to address public disorder while expanding support for individuals with mental health and addiction issues.
Mixed Reactions to the Proposal
The announcement has drawn criticism from some advocacy groups, including The Legal Aid Society. In a public statement, the organization raised concerns about potential civil rights violations and questioned the effectiveness of involuntary commitment as a solution to substance abuse and overdose crises.
“Moreover, the Mayor’s attempt to frame this as a ‘quality of life’ measure is revealing – treating people in crisis as a nuisance to be swept out of public view rather than as human beings deserving care and dignity”, the statement read. “Expanding involuntary commitment laws will not solve the drug war or end the overdose crisis; it will only deepen mistrust, waste resources, and cause lasting harm to the very people.”
The Compassionate Interventions Act remains in its early stages, with the next steps involving securing legislative sponsorship and navigating potential pushback from critics. Mayor Adams has made it clear that he sees this as a critical step toward addressing New York City’s public health and safety challenges.