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A 8507

Designates April eighth as Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Day

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Keith Brown

Designates April 8 each year as Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Day to boost public awareness, education, and collaboration among mental health, substance use, and health services.

REFERRED TO GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS
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Bill Summary · A 8507

Summary: Assembly Bill A 8507 – Designates April 8 as Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Day

Overview

Assembly Bill A 8507, introduced on May 20, 2025, would designate April 8 of each year as Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Day in the state. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has been referred to the Governmental Operations committee. The primary sponsor is Keith Brown.

Purpose and Intent

  • Establish an annual state observance to raise awareness about co-occurring disorders, defined broadly as the simultaneous presence of mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
  • The designation aims to promote public understanding, education, and collaboration among mental health, addiction treatment providers, and community organizations.

Key Provisions (as indicated by the title)

  • Designation: April 8 is designated as Co-Occurring Disorders Awareness Day each year.
  • Observance: While the bill’s text is not provided here, such designations typically encourage state agencies, local governments, schools, healthcare providers, and community groups to acknowledge the day through awareness activities, education, or events. The designation may also support proclamations or similar observances at the local level.

Who Would Be Affected

  • State and local government agencies involved in health, mental health, and substance use services.
  • Hospitals, clinics, behavioral health providers, and community-based organizations that address co-occurring disorders.
  • Schools and educational institutions that may participate in awareness activities.
  • The general public, with potential informational outreach and events.

Legislative and Procedural Context

  • Status: Referred to Governmental Operations (a committee that typically reviews matters related to state administration and governance).
  • Timeline: Introduced May 20, 2025; the record shows two identical entries for the same referral on that date, which may reflect a duplication in the legislative record.
  • Related Legislation:
    • S 8815 (prior-session) and S 1793 (companion) indicate Senate counterparts or related measures intended to pair with the Assembly bill.
    • Companion bills are listed as S 1793 (two mentions) and S 8815, signaling cross-chamber consideration.

Sponsor

  • Keith Brown (primary)

Potential Impact and Notes

  • The bill would create an annual designation that can facilitate awareness campaigns, education, and collaborative efforts among health and behavioral health stakeholders.
  • It does not specify funding, mandates, or regulatory requirements in the information available; any concrete programs or activities would depend on subsequent amendments or agency actions if the bill progresses.
  • Observance could be leveraged by advocates and providers to highlight services, reduce stigma, and promote integrated treatment approaches for individuals with co-occurring disorders.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor the bill’s progression through the Governmental Operations committee and, if advanced, to the full Assembly floor for consideration.
  • Review companion Senate measures (S 8815 and S 1793) for parallel developments and potential compromise or convergence.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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