(TRENTON) – The Assembly Human Services Committee will meet Thursday to receive testimony on the Christie administration’s decision to delay implementing a law to protect public safety by allowing for involuntary commitment to outpatient treatment for some individuals with mental illness.
The hearing is slated for 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 16 in Committee Room 16, 4th floor, State House Annex, Trenton.
It will be streamed live at: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp.
“The administration does not have the authority to simply chose whether to implement laws,” said Assembly Human Services Chairwoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen). “Considering the governor’s professional background, I would expect him to have a greater respect for established law.”
Vainieri Huttle noted the law was created after several horrific incidents involving individuals with mental illness who declined to accept treatment.
“These weren’t routine incidents,” Vainieri Huttle said. “They involved the deaths of innocent New Jerseyans, including children. This law is meant to prevent further tragedies.”
