New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05505

Introduced
2/24/25  
Refer
2/24/25  
Report Pass
5/6/25  
Engrossed
6/12/25  
Refer
6/12/25  
Refer
1/7/26  

Caption

Requires the office of temporary and disability assistance, in conjunction with the office of mental health and the office of children and family services, to develop a mental illness training course to be utilized by providers of temporary housing assistance to focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of mental illness.

Summary

Bill S05505 mandates the development of a mental illness training course for providers of temporary housing assistance in New York. The training, to be created by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance in collaboration with the Office of Mental Health and the Office of Children and Family Services, aims to equip employees and volunteers with the skills to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental illness and to make appropriate referrals for individuals in need. This initiative is particularly relevant for various temporary housing settings, including family shelters, domestic violence shelters, and youth shelters.

Impact

The bill will amend the social services law to include a new requirement for mental illness training in temporary housing facilities. This change is expected to enhance the capacity of these facilities to support individuals experiencing mental health challenges, thereby potentially improving outcomes for vulnerable populations. By ensuring that at least one trained individual is present during intake services, the bill aims to create a more supportive environment for those seeking assistance.

Sentiment

The sentiment around Bill S05505 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the unanimous votes in both the Senate Social Services Committee and the Senate Floor Vote. The discussions leading up to the votes indicate a strong consensus on the importance of mental health training in temporary housing settings, reflecting a commitment to improving mental health support for individuals in crisis.

Contention

While there seems to be broad support for the bill, potential points of contention may arise regarding the implementation of the training program, including concerns about funding, the adequacy of training resources, and the ability of all temporary housing providers to comply with the new requirements. However, no specific opposition has been documented in the available discussions or voting records.

Companion Bills

NY A01856

Same As Requires the office of temporary and disability assistance, in conjunction with the office of mental health and the office of children and family services, to develop a mental illness training course to be utilized by providers of temporary housing assistance to focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of mental illness.

Previously Filed As

NY S01567

Requires the office of temporary and disability assistance, in conjunction with the office of mental health and the office of children and family services, to develop a mental illness training course to be utilized by providers of temporary housing assistance to focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of mental illness.

NY A01856

Requires the office of temporary and disability assistance, in conjunction with the office of mental health and the office of children and family services, to develop a mental illness training course to be utilized by providers of temporary housing assistance to focus on recognizing signs and symptoms of mental illness.

NY HB1538

Relating to the authority of a peace officer to apprehend a person for emergency detention and of certain facilities and physicians to temporarily detain a person with mental illness.

NY A08896

Makes technical changes to the aid to localities budget regarding the office of children and family services, the office of temporary and disability assistance, the department of health, the department of labor and the department of state.

NY S08438

Makes technical changes to the aid to localities budget regarding the office of children and family services, the office of temporary and disability assistance, the department of health, the department of labor and the department of state.

NY S03627

Requires training for teachers and administrators in the area of mental health response; requires office of mental health to assist in development of curriculum for training.

NY A03041

Requires training for teachers, administrators and instructors in the area of mental health response; requires office of mental health to assist in development of curriculum for training.

NY A926

Requires Medicaid coverage for assisted living services for individuals with serious mental illnesses.

NY HB567

School resource officers; require to undergo Mental Health First Aid training.

NY HB350

School resource officers; require to undergo Mental Health First Aid training.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.