Bill > A07603

This bill provides additional support and oversight for children with complex needs under state jurisdiction by expanding the powers and responsibilities of the Council on Children and Families. The bill requires the council to establish a confidential online data portal to help coordinate services for children and adolescents, and mandates comprehensive data collection on children who are "boarding" (remaining in a hospital after no longer needing hospital care) or awaiting appropriate residential programs. The council must collect detailed information including wait times, care levels, diagnoses, reasons for boarding, agency custody status, insurance coverage, and demographic data. The bill also requires the council to submit biannual reports to the governor and legislature detailing this data and an annual report summarizing interagency dispute resolution cases. Additionally, the bill transfers $25 million to the council to support these new mandates, including establishing the data portal, hiring staff for dispute resolution, and covering potential service costs during inter-agency disputes. The new data collection and reporting requirements are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, with the rest of the bill becoming effective 180 days after becoming law.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7603