New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09920

Introduced
4/16/26  

Caption

Directs the office of mental health to conduct a study on the mental health and prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among corrections officers and other prison workers and to submit a report of the findings of such study to the governor and the legislature.

Summary

This bill directs the New York State Office of Mental Health to conduct a study on the mental health of corrections officers and other prison workers, with a specific focus on the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in that workforce. The study is intended to examine the extent of mental health needs among people working in correctional facilities across the state. Within one year of the bill’s effective date, the Office of Mental Health must submit a report to the Governor and legislative leaders. The report must include the study’s findings and recommendations for legislative or administrative action to address PTSD and other mental health issues affecting corrections officers and other prison workers. The bill takes effect immediately and sunsets two years later, making it a temporary, study-focused measure rather than a permanent program or mandate.

Impact

The bill does not directly create new benefits, treatment programs, or employment protections; instead, it requires a state agency to gather data and produce recommendations that could inform future legislation or administrative changes. Its main legal effect is to impose a one-time reporting obligation on the Office of Mental Health and to establish a temporary statutory framework that expires after two years. It may affect corrections officers, prison staff, and the agencies responsible for correctional workforce health policy by generating an official state assessment of PTSD and related mental health concerns.

Sentiment

The available record shows no committee transcript or vote history, so there is no documented debate or recorded opposition in the materials provided. Based on the bill’s purpose, the measure appears to be framed as a research and fact-finding proposal aimed at addressing a recognized occupational health issue in corrections. The overall tone of the bill is neutral-to-supportive, with an emphasis on study, reporting, and potential future action rather than immediate policy change.

Contention

No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if the bill were discussed, could include the scope of the study, the cost and staffing burden on the Office of Mental Health, whether the study should focus only on corrections officers or also include broader prison personnel, and what kinds of legislative or administrative responses might follow from the findings. However, none of these concerns are attributed to any person or group in the record supplied.

Companion Bills

NY A06623

Same As Directs the office of mental health to conduct a study on the mental health and prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among corrections officers and other prison workers and to submit a report of the findings of such study to the governor and the legislature.

Previously Filed As

NY A06623

Directs the office of mental health to conduct a study on the mental health and prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among corrections officers and other prison workers and to submit a report of the findings of such study to the governor and the legislature.

NY HB1313

Workers' compensation; law-enforcement officers and firefighters, post-traumatic stress disorder.

NY S1669

Establishing a commission to study post-traumatic stress disorder in law enforcement officers

NY A02405

Requires the office of mental health to conduct a study on utilizing the therapeutic techniques studied by the research and recognition project for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

NY A04654

Requires the office of mental health to conduct a study on utilizing the therapeutic techniques studied by the research and recognition project for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

NY S06887

Requires the office of mental health to conduct a study on utilizing the therapeutic techniques studied by the research and recognition project for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

NY A4660

Requires DHS to provide psychiatric service dogs to first responders, health care workers, and other frontline workers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

NY HB5196

Corrections: other; screening and treatment for post traumatic prison disorder; provide for and require certain other mental health screening, planning, and treatment of incarcerated individuals. Amends sec. 67 of 1953 PA 232 (MCL 791.267) & adds secs. 34e, 67c & 67d.

NY A4867

Establishes toll free helpline for first responders, health care workers, and other frontline workers experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder.

NY S08061

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of mental health, to make mental health counseling available to all correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.