Bill > A05941

This bill amends the New York Correction Law to require the Department of Corrections to divert or remove an incarcerated individual who has been diagnosed with a serious mental illness from segregated confinement or residential rehabilitation units if such confinement would potentially last more than thirty days. The bill specifically clarifies the language around identifying individuals with serious mental illness by referencing specific subparagraphs that define such conditions. The goal appears to be protecting mentally ill inmates from prolonged isolated or restrictive housing by mandating their transfer to a residential mental health treatment unit. Importantly, the bill does not prevent disciplinary processes from continuing, but seeks to ensure that inmates with serious mental health diagnoses receive appropriate medical treatment instead of being kept in potentially harmful confinement settings. The amendment will take effect thirty days after becoming law, providing a short transition period for implementation by corrections facilities.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5941