The Overview
New Jersey hospitals now have the authority to hold psychiatric patients against their will for up to six days instead of three. [](#ngr-3cffc415-c2a2-454b-be87-cca463460804)
The law affects those experiencing mental health crises who may face involuntary hospitalization. S 4407's advancement was opposed by mental health advocates. Supporters, including lead sponsor Sen. Joseph F. Vitale, described the extended hold as imperfect but necessary given the shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds.
Bill S 4407 grants this expansion of state authority over involuntary commitment. It passed both chambers of New Jersey unanimously and became P.L. 2026, c.59 on July 30.
The bill was introduced in the New Jersey Senate on June 4, and referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. It was reported from committee on June 11. Bill S 4407 was signed into law on July 30.
Lead sponsors include Sen. Joseph F. Vitale, Sen. John F. McKeon, Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter, and Assemblywoman Shanique Speight.
The Debate
The six-day hold provision drew opposition from mental health advocates. The ACLU of New Jersey and more than 45 mental health, disability rights, civil rights, and racial justice organizations signed a coalition letter urging the governor to veto the underlying 2023 law on which S 4407's provisions are based.
He described the six-day hold provision as imperfect but necessary in the absence of adequate inpatient psychiatric infrastructure in New Jersey.
The bill passed both chambers unanimously: the Senate by a vote of 40-0 on June 30, and the Assembly by a vote of 79-0 the same day.
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