New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A09645

Introduced
1/21/26  
Refer
1/21/26  
Report Pass
4/28/26  

Caption

Establishes a 13 member veteran suicide mortality review board to serve as the statewide entity responsible for the multidisciplinary review of suicide deaths among veterans by identifying trends and systemic factors contributing to veteran suicide; assessing gaps in services, access to care, and institutional practices; developing evidence-based recommendations for prevention and policy improvement; and promoting collaboration among relevant state, local, and federal agencies.

Impact

The creation of this review board will enhance coordination among state, local, and federal agencies, facilitating a more unified response to veteran suicide prevention. By integrating various stakeholders, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the board seeks to ensure that veteran-specific concerns are addressed. The policy implications of this bill are significant, potentially leading to improved access to mental health resources and more effective interventions tailored to veterans, thereby aligning state laws with the needs of this population.

Summary

Bill A09645 establishes a 13-member veteran suicide mortality review board tasked with reviewing suicide deaths among veterans. The board aims to identify trends and systemic factors contributing to these tragedies, assess gaps in services, and develop policy recommendations to prevent such incidents. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the mental health challenges faced by veterans, particularly those transitioning out of military service, promoting a structured approach to addressing these issues comprehensively.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards improving mental health support for veterans, it may also raise concerns regarding the implementation of recommendations and the allocation of resources. Some lawmakers might worry about the effectiveness and efficiency of interagency collaboration while others may question whether the board will have sufficient authority and funding to enact meaningful changes. As the board's recommendations are expected to inform future policies, the debate around the adequacy of state responses to veteran mental health issues is likely to persist.

Companion Bills

NY S08968

Same As Establishes a 13 member veteran suicide mortality review board to serve as the statewide entity responsible for the multidisciplinary review of suicide deaths among veterans by identifying trends and systemic factors contributing to veteran suicide; assessing gaps in services, access to care, and institutional practices; developing evidence-based recommendations for prevention and policy improvement; and promoting collaboration among relevant state, local, and federal agencies.

Previously Filed As

NY S08968

Establishes a 13 member veteran suicide mortality review board to serve as the statewide entity responsible for the multidisciplinary review of suicide deaths among veterans by identifying trends and systemic factors contributing to veteran suicide; assessing gaps in services, access to care, and institutional practices; developing evidence-based recommendations for prevention and policy improvement; and promoting collaboration among relevant state, local, and federal agencies.

NY LB414

Establish a suicide mortality review team for the Department of Veterans' Affairs

NY S1596

Establishes Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission.

NY A644

Establishes Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission.

NY SJR46

Designates neon yellow as official color to raise awareness of suicide among veterans.

NY SR0048

Recognizing PTSD and its contribution to suicide among the military and veteran populations.

NY SB3926

VETERAN SUICIDE PREVENTION

NY S07914

Establishes an LGBTQ+ youth and young adult suicide prevention task force; provides for the number of members, manner of appointment and the topics to be reviewed.

NY S03610

Establishes the rural suicide prevention council to identify barriers to mental health and substance use treatment and prevention services and other policies, practices, resources, services, and potential legislation that aim to reduce death by suicide and suicide attempts and acknowledge the demographic and cultural differences in rural communities; makes related provisions.

NY A08434

Establishes the rural suicide prevention council to identify barriers to mental health and substance use treatment and prevention services and other policies, practices, resources, services, and potential legislation that aim to reduce death by suicide and suicide attempts and acknowledge the demographic and cultural differences in rural communities; makes related provisions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.