New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S02406

Introduced
1/17/25  
Refer
1/17/25  

Caption

Relates to establishing residential treatment facilities as an alternative to incarceration designated by the commissioner for the care and treatment of persons with serious mental illness who are accused of at least one felony level crime.

Summary

Bill S02406 aims to amend the mental hygiene law in New York to establish residential treatment facilities as alternatives to incarceration for individuals with serious mental illness who have been accused of felony-level crimes. These facilities will be licensed by the Office of Mental Health and will provide necessary psychiatric and therapeutic treatment, medication management, and life skills training. Admission to these facilities will require the voluntary and informed consent of the individuals involved, along with an agreement from the presiding judge and the prosecuting agency regarding the terms of treatment and potential avoidance of incarceration upon successful completion of the program.

Impact

The bill will significantly impact the treatment of individuals with serious mental illnesses within the criminal justice system in New York. By providing an alternative to incarceration, it aims to address the needs of this vulnerable population while ensuring that they receive appropriate mental health care. The establishment of these residential treatment facilities will require changes to the existing mental hygiene law and may lead to the development of new regulations and guidelines for their operation and licensure.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S02406 appears to be cautiously optimistic, with support for the idea of providing treatment over incarceration for individuals with serious mental illnesses. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation of such facilities, including the adequacy of resources and the potential for misuse of the system. The lack of voting history and committee discussions makes it difficult to gauge the full extent of sentiment among lawmakers.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise around the balance between ensuring public safety and providing necessary mental health treatment. Some stakeholders may argue that individuals accused of serious crimes should not be granted leniency through treatment options, while others may emphasize the importance of addressing mental health issues to reduce recidivism. The perspectives of law enforcement, mental health advocates, and the public may vary significantly on this issue.

Companion Bills

NY A01733

Same As Establishes residential treatment facilities as an alternative to incarceration designated by the commissioner for the care and treatment of persons with serious mental illness who are accused of at least one felony level crime.

Previously Filed As

NY S00740

Relates to establishing residential treatment facilities as an alternative to incarceration designated by the commissioner for the care and treatment of persons with serious mental illness who are accused of at least one felony level crime.

NY A02361

Relates to establishing residential treatment facilities as an alternative to incarceration designated by the commissioner for the care and treatment of persons with serious mental illness who are accused of at least one felony level crime.

NY A01733

Establishes residential treatment facilities as an alternative to incarceration designated by the commissioner for the care and treatment of persons with serious mental illness who are accused of at least one felony level crime.

NY S708

Preserving access to treatment for patients with serious mental illnesses

NY H4892

Preserving access to treatment for patients with serious mental illnesses

NY H1128

Preserving access to treatment for patients with serious mental illnesses

NY HR1109

Mental Health Sentencing and Treatment Alternatives Act; commend advancement by General Assembly; recognize urgent need for sentencing alternatives for Georgians with serious mental illness

NY HB485

AN ACT relating to the care and treatment of individuals with mental illness.

NY AB847

Grants for alternatives to prosecution and incarceration programs for persons with mental illness and making an appropriation. (FE)

NY SB837

Grants for alternatives to prosecution and incarceration programs for persons with mental illness and making an appropriation. (FE)

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IA HF518

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