Bill > A01956

This bill, named "Shawanna's law," requires the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision to provide comprehensive mental health services for incarcerated individuals, specifically addressing trauma related to incarceration. The bill mandates that upon an individual's admission to a correctional facility, a transitional accountability plan must be developed that includes mental health reentry services beginning in the first week of incarceration. These services must be provided by licensed mental health professionals specializing in trauma and utilizing culturally sensitive techniques. The services will include behavioral health screening, clinical interventions for mental health issues related to incarceration, and trauma-oriented therapy when appropriate. If a facility cannot provide proper mental health services, the individual must be transferred within seven days. The bill also requires the department to train prison personnel in mental health trauma and submit annual reports detailing the number of individuals screened and receiving therapy. Additionally, upon release, individuals who received trauma-related clinical intervention will be provided with a range of support services including mental health care, therapeutic programs, family counseling, substance abuse treatment, vocational training, housing and job placement assistance, and money management support. The department must also submit a comprehensive report on mental health care services in the corrections system by December 31, 2026.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1956