New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S05061

Introduced
2/18/25  
Refer
2/18/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Refer
1/30/26  

Caption

Directs DOCCS, in collaboration with OTDA, OMH and OASAS, to establish a 5-year reintegration pilot program for individuals being released from correctional facilities to provide supports and services to prepare for release, assist with reintegration into the community, and reduce recidivism.

Impact

Under this bill, selected correctional facilities will offer reintegration services for individuals who voluntarily opt into the program as they approach their release dates. These services will connect participants to health and behavioral health resources, assist with compliance to any parole conditions, and provide opportunities for employment and job training. Additionally, the program will help individuals find stable and affordable housing, which is a critical factor in successful reintegration. By conducting the pilot across a mix of male and female facilities, the bill aims for adequate geographic distribution and accessibility of needed services.

Summary

Bill S05061 seeks to establish a five-year reintegration pilot program for individuals released from correctional facilities in New York. The primary goal of this program is to provide necessary supports and services that facilitate a smooth transition back into the community while simultaneously reducing the likelihood of recidivism. It mandates collaboration among multiple state agencies, including the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), Office of Mental Health (OMH), and Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), to design and implement the program effectively.

Contention

Opposition to S05061 may arise from concerns around the funding and effectiveness of such programs, especially regarding whether the state can deliver the promised services effectively. Skeptics might argue about the practicalities of implementation in different facilities, questioning if the agencies can coordinate successfully to yield results. Furthermore, there may be discussions about the voluntary nature of participation, with some critics suggesting that more individuals would benefit from being required to participate in such programs rather than relying solely on voluntary enrollment.

Companion Bills

NY A03934

Same As Directs DOCCS, in collaboration with OTDA, OMH and OASAS, to establish a 5-year reintegration pilot program for individuals being released from correctional facilities to provide supports and services to prepare for release, assist with reintegration into the community, and reduce recidivism.

Previously Filed As

NY A03934

Directs DOCCS, in collaboration with OTDA, OMH and OASAS, to establish a 5-year reintegration pilot program for individuals being released from correctional facilities to provide supports and services to prepare for release, assist with reintegration into the community, and reduce recidivism.

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 SB97

Reentry and Reintegration Support Program - Establishment

NY HB224

Reentry and Reintegration Support Program - Establishment

NY S01643

Establishes a job fair pilot program for certain residents of correctional facilities in the Wende and New York City correctional facility hubs.

NY A08861

Establishes the community accompaniment and post-release support program in the office for new Americans to provide grants to community-based organizations that offer services to individuals released from immigration detention; defines eligible services; requires the office to establish criteria for awarding grants; requires the office to submit an annual report on the program.

NY S09413

Requires the department of corrections and community supervision to provide body-worn cameras to certain individuals visiting correctional facilities and provide those individuals with the footage from such cameras.

NY H5124

Establishes Rhode Island First Step program requiring DOC to assist offenders with reintegration into society, counseling, medical care, education, early sentence termination or pre-release confinement for elderly and terminally ill offenders.

NY H7134

Establishes Rhode Island First Step program requiring DOC to assist offenders with reintegration into society, counseling, medical care, education, early sentence termination or pre-release confinement for elderly and terminally ill offenders.

NY LD244

Resolve, to Provide Safe, Short-term Housing to Individuals Recently Released from Correctional Facilities

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.