New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S08061

Introduced
5/15/25  

Caption

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of mental health, to make mental health counseling available to all correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities.

Impact

The implementation of S08061 is expected to improve the mental health resources available to correctional facility staff, addressing a previously acknowledged gap in support systems. By formalizing mental health counseling availability, the bill acknowledges the unique challenges faced by correction officers and civilian staff, promoting a healthier work environment. It is anticipated that these services will contribute to better job performance, reduced absenteeism, and overall improved attitudes towards their roles within the correctional system.

Summary

Bill S08061 aims to enhance the mental well-being of correction officers and civilian staff working in correctional facilities in New York. The legislation mandates the commissioner of corrections, in consultation with the commissioner of mental health, to provide mental health counseling services to all eligible personnel. This act is designed to address the psychological stressors that arise from working in high-pressure correctional environments, ensuring that staff have access to necessary mental health resources.

Contention

While S08061 has garnered support for its focus on mental health, potential contention may arise regarding its execution and funding. Concerns could be raised about budget allocations necessary for staffing mental health counselors and providing continuous training for those involved. Additionally, the efficacy of counseling services could be questioned; stakeholders may seek assurances that professionals with adequate qualifications will administer these services and that staff will feel encouraged to partake in counseling without stigma.

Companion Bills

NY A08027

Same As Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of mental health, to make mental health counseling available to all correction officers and civilian staff in correctional facilities.

Previously Filed As

NY S05214

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of health and the commissioner of mental health, to develop a uniform electronic medical records system to be utilized by all correctional facilities in the state.

NY A05902

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision, in consultation with the commissioner of health and the commissioner of mental health, to develop a uniform electronic medical records system to be utilized by all correctional facilities in the state.

NY S07937

Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to make correctional facility water testing results accessible directly to incarcerated individuals and correctional facility staff in such facilities and make such water testing results available to the public on the website of the department.

NY A09611

Requires the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to make correctional facility water testing results accessible directly to incarcerated individuals and correctional facility staff in such facilities and make such water testing results available to the public on the website of the department.

NY S00505

Expands the health department's review of correctional health services by including a biennial study of health care staffing at facilities operated by the department of corrections and community supervision.

NY S02940

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish contraband screening at correctional facilities including canines at the entrances and a third-party secure vendor mail program.

NY A05388

Directs the commissioner of corrections and community supervision to establish contraband screening at correctional facilities including canines at the entrances and a third-party secure vendor mail program.

NY S00312

Relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time and without advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities.

NY A06489

Relates to correctional facility visits by the correctional association; authorizes the correctional association to visit correctional facilities at any time and without advance notice; grants the correctional association access to certain records and information of correctional facilities.

NY S00181

Expands who may visit local correctional facilities to include accompanying staff of legislative members and members of the department of corrections and community supervision requested by a legislative member.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.