New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A06649

Introduced
3/6/25  
Refer
3/6/25  

Caption

Enacts the PTSD awareness and rehabilitation act to require PTSD screening, provide trauma-informed education, and implement evidence-based rehabilitation programs to ensure incarcerated individuals receive proper support for mental health challenges.

Impact

The enactment of A06649 is expected to significantly influence state laws concerning mental health protocols within correctional facilities. By formally integrating PTSD screenings and education into the correction law, the bill identifies therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing recidivism rates. The overarching goal of the legislation is to improve public safety by facilitating successful reintegration of individuals into society post-release, thus aiming to address broader societal impacts linked to incarceration and mental health issues. Furthermore, this act underscores the state's commitment to reform mental health practices in correctional settings, fostering an environment conducive to healing and rehabilitation.

Summary

Bill A06649, known as the 'PTSD Awareness and Rehabilitation Act,' is aimed at addressing the mental health needs of incarcerated individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The bill mandates comprehensive PTSD screenings for all inmates upon their arrival at correctional facilities and subsequently on an annual basis. Legislators introduced this act with the intent to create systematic reform in managing mental health issues linked to trauma that are often prevalent among those in the correctional system. It establishes trauma-informed education and evidence-based rehabilitation programs, designed to ensure that individuals receive appropriate mental health support throughout their incarceration.

Contention

Discussions around Bill A06649 indicate that while there is notable support for enhancing mental health awareness and treatment in correctional facilities, there may also be concerns regarding the implementation and funding of these initiatives. Critics could argue that the bill may impose additional burdens on already strained correctional budgets and services. Furthermore, ensuring adequate training for staff to implement trauma-informed care presents potential challenges, particularly in contexts with limited resources. The balance between necessary mental health reforms and the realities of budgetary constraints and operational challenges in corrections remains a crucial point of discussion surrounding this legislation.

Companion Bills

NY S06896

Same As Enacts the PTSD awareness and rehabilitation act to require PTSD screening, provide trauma-informed education, and implement evidence-based rehabilitation programs to ensure incarcerated individuals receive proper support for mental health challenges.

Previously Filed As

NY S06896

Enacts the PTSD awareness and rehabilitation act to require PTSD screening, provide trauma-informed education, and implement evidence-based rehabilitation programs to ensure incarcerated individuals receive proper support for mental health challenges.

NY S10192

Requires mental health services for incarcerated individuals with mental health issues related to the trauma of incarceration upon reentry and reintegration into society upon release.

NY S09854

Prohibits the department of corrections from placing incarcerated individuals in two-person cells in residential rehabilitation units unless such incarcerated individuals agree.

NY A11071

Prohibits the department of corrections from placing incarcerated individuals in two-person cells in residential rehabilitation units unless such incarcerated individuals agree.

NY S05317

Requires the office of addiction services and supports to collect certain demographic data for incarcerated individuals in medication assisted treatment programs.

NY A03936

Requires the office of addiction services and supports to collect certain demographic data for incarcerated individuals in medication assisted treatment programs.

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 S09368

Enacts the "New York property rehabilitation protection act" to provide protection against the use of assignment of benefit agreements by rehabilitation contractors in a fraudulent manner.

NY A10176

Enacts the "New York property rehabilitation protection act" to provide protection against the use of assignment of benefit agreements by rehabilitation contractors in a fraudulent manner.

NY S08310

Enacts the "forensic rehabilitation act" relating to the custody of individuals following a verdict or plea of not responsible by reason of mental disease or defect.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.