Bill > A06472

This bill establishes a Black Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force to address mental health and suicide prevention for Black youth aged 5-18 in New York State. The task force will consist of seven members appointed by various state leaders, including the governor, senate and assembly leadership, and the commissioner of mental health, with all appointees having expertise in mental health and suicide prevention related to the Black community. The task force's primary responsibilities include studying current mental health practices and suicide prevention efforts for Black youth, recommending improvements to increase effectiveness statewide, and investigating potential reasons for high suicide rates among Black youth. Members will serve for two years without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses, and they will meet at least quarterly. The task force is required to produce a preliminary report within 13 months and a final report within 22 months, both of which will include findings, conclusions, recommendations, and potential legislative proposals. The bill will automatically expire two years after its effective date, ensuring a time-limited approach to addressing this critical issue of Black youth mental health and suicide prevention.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6472