BILL NUMBER: S4969
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to requiring victims
of firearm violence be offered and/or provided psychiatric care
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA:
The purpose of this bill is to afford victims of gun violence an oppor-
tunity to receive psychiatric care in connection with their trauma.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
The bill sets forth the mechanism through which a victim of firearm
violence may elect to receive psychiatric services in connection with
the traumatic event they have just experienced. In addition to defining
the term "firearm violence," the bill requires that hospitals, among
other things, develop a comprehensive plan for handling such cases
(including training all relevant staff). The bill also requires the
promulgation of such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry
out the purpose of this new law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
It is estimated that tens of thousands of people survive gun violence
every year, only to endure lasting physical, emotional, and behavioral
trauma. Survivors often develop a host of psychiatric disorders, includ-
ing acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder. This bill aims to
connect survivors with mental health services immediately after such a
traumatic event so they may begin the long, arduous road to recovery.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S5894A - Reported and Committed to Finance
 
FISCAL IMPLICATION FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Ninety days after becoming a law, with an immediate effective date for
rule setting.