Bill > S04974

This bill establishes a new "Reentry Services and Treatment Fund" with $500 million to support individuals returning to the community after incarceration. The fund will provide voluntary services and treatment across New York State, distributed regionally to ensure geographic coverage. The fund will support programs overseen by various state agencies, including criminal justice services, health, mental health, housing, addiction services, and temporary assistance. Funding decisions will prioritize culturally competent, trauma-informed, evidence-based programs that employ individuals with lived experience. Additionally, the bill mandates that peace officers working in the criminal legal system receive at least 10 hours of annual training on mental illness and trauma-informed care. This training will cover topics such as mental health diversion, trauma intervention, adverse childhood experiences, behavioral health disorders, crisis de-escalation, and identifying mental health symptoms. The bill requires agencies receiving funding to collaborate regionally to develop comprehensive reentry services and mandates an annual public report detailing fund usage, recipient information, program effectiveness, and impact on reducing recidivism.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4974