Bill > A01733

This bill establishes a new type of residential treatment facility as an alternative to traditional incarceration for individuals with serious mental illness who have been accused of at least one felony-level crime. These facilities would be designated by the commissioner and licensed by the office of mental health, and can be operated by public or private non-profit organizations. Admission requires voluntary and informed consent from the individual, which must be agreed upon by the presiding judge, the person with mental illness (who will be represented by counsel), and the county prosecutor. The agreement includes provisions such as wearing a GPS device when leaving the facility and a commitment by prosecutors not to pursue incarceration if the treatment is successfully completed. The facilities would provide comprehensive services including medication management, psychiatric treatment, substance use disorder treatment, and basic life skills training. The bill also mandates that the commissioner work with addiction services to address co-occurring substance use disorders and requires the commissioner to seek federal financial participation and develop necessary regulations within specific timeframes. The goal is to provide a more therapeutic and rehabilitative approach to handling individuals with serious mental illness who have committed felony-level crimes.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1733