ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) - Governor Kathy Hochul alongside other state leaders in Albany are considering an update to New York's Involuntary Commitment law. This determines when police and other first responders intervene during mental health emergencies, and when to admit an individual to psychiatric care. Hochul's proposal, shared at the 2025 State of the State address, would expand the law to allow intervention for folks who may lack basic necessities including food, shelter and medical care. Advocates for the local homeless population including Amy D'Amico with Rochester Grants Pass Resistance say there's better alternatives. "The question is why can't we all focus on the clear solution, which is housing?" D'Amico said. "The answer to homelessness is housing." Community Organizer Oscar Brewer agrees and continues to push for more resources for those who may need them. "We have to increase not just housing, but also mental health response," Brewer said. "Instead of forcing people into treatment, let's find adequate resources to help them in the moment." D'Amico and Brewer's strategy at addressing this concern can be categorized under the proposed Daniel's Law, drafted in recognition of Daniel Prude. If passed, the law would allow advocates to respond to mental health emergencies and intervene in the moment. D'Amico adds that Hochul's push for involuntary commitment would not be effective. "[Governor Hochul] wants to hide the problem. I think she doesn't like the look of people outside who she doesn't think should be," D'Amico said. Hochul sees her approach differently. "Critics will say this criminalizes poverty or homelessness, I say that is flat out wrong," Hochul said during the State of the State. "This is about having the humanity and the compassion to help people who are incapable of helping themselves." D'Amico disagrees with this mindset. "Being involuntarily committed is the opposite of a humane response," D'Amico said. "Forcing people into psychiatric units and naming that a humane response is backwards." Rochester Grants Pass Resistance continues to work with folks in the Rochester community in need of vital resources including food and clothing. Both proposals remain as such right now, and are slated to be discussed and revised by lawmakers in the coming months. An official statement on Hochul's proposal by Rochester Grants Pass Resistance can be found here: Press-Release-January-16-2025-Involuntary-CommitmentDownload