BILL NUMBER: S4013
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to establishing a
peer support program for veterans
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to establish a peer support program for
veterans. Develop and establish regional and county based peer support
services programs for women veterans and establishes minimum qualifica-
tions for recognized or certified veteran peer counselor.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: The mental hygiene law is amended by adding a new section
7.42.
Section 2: This act shall take effect one year after it shall have
become a law; provided however, that if section 2 of part PP of chapter
56 of the laws of 2022 shall not have taken effect on or before such
date then this act shall take effect on the same date and In the same
manner as such section of such part of such chapter of the laws of 2022
takes effect. Effective immediately the addition, amendment and/or
repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of
this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed
on or before such date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Peer support programs help veterans transition back to civilian life.
It is especially valuable for active military duty veterans; giving them
a setting for discussion with their comrades who also had similar expe-
riences. Women veterans are also assisted by peer support that is geared
towards the specific challenges they face in civilian life. Peer
support programs also, help veterans become more productive with dealing
with stress and coping with depression or substance abuse. Trauma and
stress experienced during military service can often leave veterans with
PTSD. Veterans may turn to medication or alcohol to relieve the symptoms
of PTSD which could ultimately lead to addiction and abuse. Peer support
programs are critical factors in mitigating PTSD as they enable veterans
to build healthier and positive relationships.'
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S5146 -Referred to Veterans, Homeland Security and Military
Affairs
2021-22: S4423 - Referred to Veterans, Homeland Security and Military
Affairs
2019/20: S4261- Referred to Veterans, Homeland Security and Military
Affairs
2011/12: A9679A Referred to Ways and Means 2013/14: A6516 Passed Assem-
bly
2015/16: A6114 Referred to Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
2017-18: S6237- REFERRED TO VETERANS, HOMELAND SECURITY AND MILITARY
AFFAIRS
 
FISCAL IMPLICATION:
To be determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law;