Bill > S03670

This bill creates a statewide emergency and crisis response council to improve mental health, alcohol use, and substance use crisis services in New York. The council will work with state commissioners to develop and approve local emergency and crisis services plans that prioritize non-police, peer-led crisis response teams. Key provisions include establishing crisis response teams composed of trained peers and emergency medical technicians who will provide trauma-informed, culturally competent care, with the goal of minimizing law enforcement involvement and avoiding forced treatment or transportation. The bill mandates that these teams operate 24/7, aim to de-escalate crisis situations, and focus on voluntary assessment and referral to appropriate services. The statewide council will be comprised of at least 51% peers and family peers, reflecting the state's diversity, and will be responsible for advising on policies that ensure a public health-based approach to mental health and substance use crises. The bill also requires comprehensive reporting and evaluation of the crisis response system, including detailed data collection on demographics, service utilization, and outcomes to track the effectiveness of the new approach.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3670