What's happening
This bill requires the New York mental health commissioner to provide veterans with information on where to get help for military sexual trauma.
Why it matters
Connects veterans directly with specialized resources. By requiring the dissemination of information on where to get help for military sexual trauma, the bill ensures that veterans are made aware of specific services at VA medical centers and related facilities, which can be critical for those who might otherwise struggle to find appropriate support.
Reduces barriers to care. Having easy-to-find, centralized information on the mental health office's website, including direct links to both federal VA and state veterans’ affairs resources, lowers the threshold for veterans to seek help, potentially improving access and reducing stigma.
Addresses a frequently underreported issue. Military sexual trauma is often unreported or goes untreated due to lack of awareness about available help. This measure could encourage more veterans to come forward and utilize counseling or treatment, which can be vital for their long-term mental health and recovery.
Signals state-level commitment to veterans’ mental health. By embedding this requirement in state law, New York demonstrates a proactive stance in supporting veterans, potentially influencing policy in other states and drawing attention to the ongoing needs of those affected by military sexual trauma.
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Who cares
Headline styles
List Military Trauma Resources
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to veterans, homeland security and military affairs
- Referred to veterans, homeland security and military affairs
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Help Info for Military Survivors
In Senate Committee · Veterans, Homeland Security And Military Affairs · Sponsor Patricia Fahy
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1699
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 10, 2017
Introduced by Sen. PARKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs
AN ACT to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to providing information on where to seek help in regards to military sexual trauma
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 7.09 of the mental hygiene law is amended by adding a new subdivision (l) to read as follows:
(l) The commissioner shall disseminate information to veterans regarding which United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, outpatient clinics, community-based outpatient clinics, vet centers or other United States Department of Veterans Affairs facilities veterans can seek treatment, counselling and resources for military sexual trauma experienced while on active duty or during military training. Such information shall be posted on the office's website with a link to the website of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and a link to the website of the state division of veterans' affairs.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the commissioner of mental health shall promulgate any rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of this act on or before its effective date.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02656-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to providing information on where to seek help in regards to military sexual trauma
Purpose or general idea of bill
To disseminate information to veterans and make available at the Office of Mental Health and the Division of Veterans Affairs websites where they can seek treatment and counseling for Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1: Amends Section 7.09 of the Mental Hygiene Law by adding a new subdivision (k) to require the Commissioner of the Office of Mental Health to disseminate information to veterans regarding which United States Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, outpatient clinics, community-based outpatient clinics, vet centers or other United States Department of Veterans Affairs facilities veterans can seek treatment, counseling and resources for military sexual trauma experienced while on active duty or during military training.
Section 2: Effective Date.
Justification
In many instances those veterans who have returned home from combat and/or have completed their tour of duty have had a myriad of experiences that sometimes adversely affect them. The experiences and events they go through can sometimes lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
However, female and male veterans also experience traumatic experiences that are not discussed as often as PTSD. One trauma they go through in particular is Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
It is imperative that information of where to seek treatment and counseling for Military Sexual Trauma is forwarded to veterans and posted on both the Office of Mental Health's websites and the Division of Veterans Affairs website. Providing these veterans with information will enable them to know where to go for help and services when needed.
Prior legislative history
2015-16: S.2514/A.1945 - Referred to Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs 2013-14: S.909A/A.6227 - Referred to Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
Unknown.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the commissioner of mental health shall promulgate any rules or regulations necessary for the implementation of this act on or before its effective date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.