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STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________

9415

IN ASSEMBLY

February 29, 2012
___________

Introduced  by  M.  of  A.  MAGNARELLI  -- read once and referred to the
  Committee on Veterans' Affairs

AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to enacting the "Veterans
  Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Act"

  THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND  ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section 1. Legislative findings and intent. The legislature recognizes
that  throughout  their service, many of the military personnel from New
York state experienced trauma during active duty, especially in Iraq and
Afghanistan, placing many of them in high risk categories for triggering
substance abuse or mental health issues. More  often  than  not,  mental
illness  and  substance  abuse present themselves simultaneously or as a
co-occurring  disorder.  The  consequences  of  co-occurring  disorders,
particularly  when untreated or poorly treated, are severe. These disor-
ders increase the cost of healthcare due to the frequent  use  of  inpa-
tient  treatment, the inability to adhere to such treatment, the risk of
suicide, crime victimization, homelessness, and incarceration.
  The legislature further finds that the unemployment  rate  and  fierce
competition  for  a  sparse  selection  of  jobs contribute to the tough
obstacle that combat veterans face as they make the transition home from
war.
  The legislature further finds that New York state has  recognized  its
responsibility for care for our veterans and their families, offering an
array of economic and health benefits.  Now we are called to ensure that
the  returning  combat  veterans  can  obtain the benefits that they are
entitled to from the various state agencies  which  offer  help  to  the
returning  servicemen  and  women  to  make the transition from military
personnel to veteran.
  S 2. Short title.  This act shall be known  as  the  "Veterans  Mental
Health and Chemical Dependency Act".
  S  3.  Section  352  of the executive law is amended by adding two new
subdivisions 6 and 7 to read as follows:
  6. THE COMMISSION SHALL DEVELOP AND UPDATE, IN CONSULTATION  WITH  THE
OFFICE  OF  MENTAL  HEALTH, THE OFFICE OF ALCOHOLISM AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD03276-03-2
A. 9415                             2

SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, A NEW YORK STATE
INTERAGENCY PLAN TO IMPROVE OUTREACH, ASSESSMENT, AND CARE FOR  VETERANS
AND  THEIR FAMILIES WHO ARE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH, MAJOR DEPRESSION
AND/OR  SUBSTANCE  ABUSE PROBLEMS. THE PLAN WOULD ADDRESS THE NEED FOR A
RANGE OF ADDITIONAL SERVICES, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
  A. THE NEED FOR HOUSING THAT IS ACCESSIBLE TO VETERANS  WITH  PHYSICAL
AND/OR MENTAL DISABILITIES;
  B. SUICIDE PREVENTION;
  C.  SERVICES  THAT ADDRESS THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF FEMALE SERVICE MEMBERS
OR VETERANS;
  D. SERVICES THAT ADDRESS THE  SPECIAL  NEEDS  OF  PHYSICALLY  DISABLED
VETERANS;
  E. PEER OUTREACH AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS;
  F.  SERVICES  TO  MEET THE EMOTIONAL NEEDS OF CHILDREN, SPOUSE, AND/OR
DOMESTIC PARTNER OF SERVICE MEMBERS OR VETERANS;
  G. SERVICES AND CONSULTATION FOR VETERANS IN SEARCH OF EMPLOYMENT; AND
  H. ACCESSIBILITY AND COORDINATION OF INFORMATION.
  7. THE COMMISSION SHALL SUBMIT A REPORT  TO  THE  DIRECTOR  EACH  YEAR
AFTER  THE  EFFECTIVE  DATE  OF  THIS  SUBDIVISION.    SUCH REPORT SHALL
INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO, A DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMISSION'S ACTIV-
ITIES CONCERNING THE NEW YORK STATE INTERAGENCY PLAN. THE DIRECTOR SHALL
SUBMIT SUCH REPORT OR A SYNOPSIS OF  SUCH  REPORT  TO  THE  GOVERNOR  AS
PROVIDED IN SECTION THREE HUNDRED FIFTY-THREE OF THIS ARTICLE.
  S  4.  This  act shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall
have become a law, however, the first New York state interagency plan as
described in subdivision 6 of section 352 of the executive law, as added
by section three of this act, shall be completed not later than one year
after such effective date.