Bill > S02583

This bill amends the tax law to establish a new annual grant program of ten million dollars aimed at expanding and supporting crisis intervention services and training programs for law enforcement officers, 911 dispatchers, call takers, and first responders. The grants will be developed and distributed by a collaborative plan involving the New York State Office of Mental Health, Division of Criminal Justice Services, and Office of Addiction Services and Supports. The plan will consider factors like population and the number of eligible staff for training. Each year, the commissioners of mental health and criminal justice services must submit a report to the governor and legislature detailing the program's progress, including the number of individuals trained, their occupations, and their county of employment. The funding will come from existing funds outlined in a previous section of the tax law. The bill is designed to improve mental health support and intervention capabilities among first responders and emergency services personnel, potentially enhancing their ability to handle crisis situations more effectively and compassionately. The bill will take effect on the first of April following its passage into law.