Hall speaks to an audience of executives at the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. Photo: Alexandria Sands/Axios
North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, a Republican, is interested in lowering the state's involuntary commitment standards in response to the fatal Charlotte light rail stabbing.
"It's just apparent to me: many of these criminal issues are really mental health problems," he told Axios during a visit to Charlotte on Thursday.
Why it matters: Involuntary commitment reform could be the next move for the General Assembly to address public safety following the passage of Iryna's Law.
The legislation, named after the Ukrainian refugee who was killed on the Blue Line in August, requires more mental health evaluations for people who are arrested and limits cashless bail.
What he's saying: Hall says, for good reason, the bar for involuntary commitment was raised years ago. But now, he adds, it's almost too difficult.
"Sheriffs, they don't want a person with a mental health problem ... in jail," Hall says. "The goal here is to get to these folks before they commit a crime, and get them treatment ahead of time."
What's next: A House committee is looking at the issue. Hall expects related legislation to be proposed in the short session.
