Bill > A06037

This bill establishes a peer support program for veterans by adding a new section to the mental hygiene law that defines and supports veteran peer support services. The bill defines a "veteran" broadly to include those who served in active military service with honorable or other-than-dishonorable discharge, as well as specific categories of veterans. It requires the state commissioner, in consultation with addiction services and veterans' services commissioners, to develop recommended minimum qualifications for veteran peer counselors, which may include factors like mental health counseling experience, training, and credentials recognized by the Veterans Affairs department. The bill mandates that these qualification guidelines be publicly shared with municipalities and entities providing veteran peer support services. Importantly, the bill stipulates that professional credentials or licensing cannot be a precondition for serving as a veteran peer counselor, and it aims to provide training and development opportunities for these counselors. The services covered include peer-to-peer counseling for mental illness, alcohol abuse, substance abuse, and chemical dependency, with the goal of supporting veterans' treatment and recovery. The act will take effect one year after becoming law, allowing time for implementation and preparation of guidelines.

Budget and Finance, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6037