BILL NUMBER: S145
SPONSOR: PALUMBO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend Kendra's law, in relation to making the provisions ther-
eof permanent
 
PURPOSE:
To make Kendra's Law permanent.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Removes the expiration for Kendra's Law, making it permanent
Section 2. Sets for the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Kendra's Law allows individuals with mental illness to attend treatment
while still living in their communities. Through the Assisted Outpatient
Treatment framework, individuals can get the mental health treatment
they need and still maintain their individual freedoms. This strikes a
balance between maintaining the state's public safety and serving our
most vulnerable communities.
During the pandemic, we have seen an increase in untreated, serious
mental illness. This has led to violence and an uptick in crime, espe-
cially in the state's largest cities. Kendra's Law is a valuable system,
especially given these recent events and the system cannot function
properly. while its continued existence is dependent on the legislature.
Making Kendra's Law permanent allows for a guaranteed path to mental
health treatment for those who need it and it also provides an extra
layer of protection for the safety of New Yorkers.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024 S.3147; 2022 5.8856
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately