What's happening
This bill requires the Office of Mental Health to submit biennial reports on suicide prevention efforts, including services for high-risk and minority groups.
Why it matters
The bill ensures greater transparency and accountability. by mandating regular (biennial) public reports from the Office of Mental Health on their progress in suicide prevention, making it easier for legislators and the public to track what is being done and where gaps might remain.
It emphasizes tailored support for high-risk and minority groups. , requiring the Office to specifically outline its efforts for groups like Latina/Latino adolescents, Black youth, rural residents, veterans, and LGBTQ+ individuals—helping to address long-standing disparities in mental health outcomes.
By detailing both progress and specific initiatives. , the reports can highlight what suicide prevention methods are effective, encourage the adoption of best practices across the state, and potentially influence funding and policy decisions to better serve vulnerable populations.
The requirement for cooperation with other agencies and organizations. could foster more comprehensive, community-informed strategies, leading to more effective and culturally competent suicide prevention efforts.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Suicide Prevention Report
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 32
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A7564B
- Ordered to third reading cal.1459
- Print number 6406a
- Amend and recommit to rules
- Referred to rules
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.
Require Suicide Prevention Report
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Nathalia Fernandez
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6406--A
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
June 7, 2019
Introduced by Sen. SEPULVEDA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to requiring a written report on plans and programs related to the prevention of suicide
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision (g) of section 7.07 of the mental hygiene law, as added by chapter 381 of the laws of 2018, is amended to read as follows:
(g) The office of mental health shall have the responsibility for assuring the development of plans, programs, and services in the areas of research and prevention of suicide, to reduce suicidal behavior and suicide through consultation, training, implementation of evidence-based practices, and use of suicide surveillance data. Such plans, programs, and services shall consider the unique needs of differing demographic groups and the impact of gender, race and ethnicity, and cultural and language needs. Such plans, programs, and services shall be developed in cooperation with other agencies and departments of the state, local governments, community organizations and entities, or other organizations and individuals. The office shall prepare and submit a written report to the governor, the speaker of the assembly, and temporary president of the senate that sets forth the progress of the office in the development of such plans, programs, and services by December first, two thousand nineteen, and biennially thereafter. In addition to delineating the progress the office has made, such report shall also include information on specific suicide prevention services and program initiatives developed and implemented to address the needs of high risk minority groups or special populations, including but not limited to latina and latino adolescents, black youth, individuals residing in rural communi-
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11447-04-9
S. 6406--A 2
ties, veterans, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and any other group deemed high risk or underserved by the office.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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 requiring a written report on plans and programs related to the prevention of suicide
Purpose or general idea of bill
This bill would require the Office of Mental Health to prepare a submit a writer report on the development of plans, programs, and services to prevent and reduce suicide/suicidal behaviors, as well as a report on prevention services and program initiatives directed towards high risk minority groups and demographics.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: Subdivision (g) of section 7.07 of the mental hygiene law, as added by chapter 381 of the laws of 2018, is amended
Section 2: This act shall take effect immediately.
Justification
With a rise of mental health issues and mental health awareness, it is important for the public to be aware of the campaigns and efforts the Office of Mental Health (OMB) are taking to prevent suicide and suicidal behavior. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for individual ages between fifteen and thirty-four. It is an ignored issue amongst high-risk minority communities who may not necessary have the resources necessary to address the issues.
The OMH is already mandated to take steps in preventing such deaths. This legislation will require a yearly report to be published regarding such steps, including a separate information on steps taken to address high risk minority groups or special populations, deemed as such by the office. By having such report, we can see if enough work is being done and, if not, how to further address it.
Prior legislative history
None
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
To Be Decided
Effective date
Immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.