Bill > A05213

This bill establishes a comprehensive community stakeholder committee focused on examining evidence-based screening and intervention methods for children in kindergarten through fifth grade who have developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, or behavioral conditions. The committee will be co-chaired by four state commissioners (mental health, developmental disabilities, children and family services, and education) and will include at least ten members with diverse expertise, including specialists in identifying and treating such conditions, educators, a parent of a student with these conditions, and an individual who has personally experienced a developmental disability, mental health, or behavioral condition. The committee is required to conduct at least two public hearings to gather information from stakeholders such as social workers, mental health practitioners, behavior analysts, teachers, school administrators, and parents. Within eighteen months of the act's effective date, the committee must submit a comprehensive report of its findings and recommendations to key state leadership, including the governor and leaders of the state senate and assembly. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, and will automatically expire on August 1, 2027, making it a time-limited initiative aimed at improving understanding and support for children with developmental and mental health challenges.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5213