Bill > A02719

This bill enacts the "Empire State of Mind Act," a comprehensive legislation aimed at improving mental health and addiction services, treatment, and support for individuals with mental illness across various systems including healthcare, social services, and the penal system. The bill introduces several key provisions, including establishing mental health courts with a focus on treatment rather than punishment, creating emergency behavioral health services with specialized response teams, and expanding support services for individuals with mental illness. It defines new terms like "behavioral health worker" and "patient advocate," and emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health that includes not just medical treatment, but also support for employment, housing, education, and social services. The bill also decriminalizes the possession of buprenorphine, provides protections for patients in mental health facilities, mandates better training for correction officers in handling individuals with mental illness, and requires reporting on mental health treatment outcomes. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for homeless individuals, such as providing mobile phones and post office boxes, and requires studies and audits to improve shelter and supportive housing systems. The overall aim is to create a more compassionate, comprehensive, and supportive approach to mental health care and intervention.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2719