BILL NUMBER: S5106
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law and the mental hygiene law, in
relation to requiring certain SUNY and CUNY schools to establish
substance use recovery housing programs
 
PURPOSE:
Requires certain SUNY and CUNY schools to establish substance abusere-
covery housing programs.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 and section 2 amend section 355 and 6206 of the education law
by adding subdivision 21 which would require any state university that
has 25% or more of their undergraduate students living on campus to
create substance abuse recovery housing. This housing would provide
on-site counseling, mentoring, and peer assistance programs to students
to help them remain substance free. Schools could apply for a variety of
grant funding to create these programs, and housing could be designated
to a specific floor or wing of a pre-existing building, so new
construction or use of an entire building would not be needed. Schools
that fall under this category would need to submit a plan for the
substance abuse housing program to the office of higher education within
one year of the effective date of this program. Once the office of high-
er education reviews and approves this plan, the university must imple-
ment the program within 4 years.
Section 3 and section 4 amend section 7.07 and 19.07 of the mental
hygiene law by adding a new subdivision that requires having the office
of higher education and the office of addiction services and supports to
set a reviewing and approval/denial process for substance abuse recovery
housing program plans that are sent to them by SUNY and CUNY schools.
Section 5 establishes the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Substance misuse is an issue on many college campuses as unaddressed
mental health issues can lead individuals to unhealthy substance use
habits as a coping mechanism. Away from their parents for the first
time, students may begin binge drinking and using illicit substances.
Oftentimes not understanding the risks associated with their actions.
The Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) states that the
amount of young adults (college aged students) that suffer from
substance use disorder is approximately 15%, which is more than double
the number of adults over the age of 26 (6.6%). Substance misuse often
affects a student's work, social, and educational life.
This bill requires SUNY and CUNY schools with an on-campus undergraduate
student population of 25% or higher to offer recovery housing to
students. This will help ensure that college students have a safe and
supportive environment where social connections and pro social activ-
ities are easily accessible.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S5388 - Died in Higher Education
2021-2022: S8220A - Died in Higher Education
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Fiscal note not attached.
 
EFFECT DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S5106: 355 education law, 6206 education law, 7.07 mental hygiene law, 19.07 mental hygiene law