Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 2025, as Mental Health Awareness Month in the State of New York

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Roxanne Persaud

Urges Gov. Hochul to proclaim May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in New York; ceremonial, non-binding, aims to boost awareness and coordinate state mental health efforts.

ADOPTED

Overview

J 103 is a formal, ceremonial resolution (memorializing measure) in the New York State Legislature that requests the Governor to issue a proclamation designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in New York. The measure is non-binding and has no fiscal impact. Its purpose is to recognize the importance of mental health, encourage public awareness and education, and align state messaging around mental health resources and events during May 2025.

Purpose and Intent

Explicit goal: Urge the Governor to proclaim May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month in New York.

Policy aim: Elevate awareness of mental health issues, reduce stigma, and promote access to mental health resources across the state.

Nature: Ceremonial, aimed at fostering public recognition and coordinated awareness activities rather than creating new programs or funding.

Key Provisions

Proclamation Request: The core provision memorializes Governor Kathy Hochul to issue an official proclamation designating May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month.

Non-binding Nature: As a resolution, it does not impose duties on state agencies or authorize new spending.

Scope: Focuses on the State of New York and recognizes the importance of mental health awareness statewide.

Legislative History and Status

Introduced: January 9, 2025.

Initial procedural steps: Referred to Finance (a typical committee step for resolutions that may involve fiscal considerations, though this resolution does not allocate funds).

Subsequent actions: On January 14, 2025, the measure was reported to the calendar for consideration and adopted in both houses (as indicated by duplicate “ADOPTED” entries).

Sponsor: Primary sponsor Roxanne J. Persaud.

Impact and Affected Parties

Affected or targeted audiences: State residents, mental health organizations, educators, healthcare providers, and government agencies that engage in public health awareness campaigns.

Practical impact: While not legally binding, the proclamation could help coordinate and amplify state and local mental health awareness activities, mark May 2025 with related events, and encourage public messaging and outreach from government and community partners.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Effective date: Immediate upon adoption (as is typical for memorials/resolutions).

Timeline:

Jan 9, 2025: Introduced and referred to Finance.
Jan 14, 2025: Reported to calendar for consideration; adopted by the Legislature (in both chambers, per the actions listed).
Post-adoption: The Governor would issue a separate executive proclamation, if he chooses to do so.

Additional Context

This type of measure aligns public attention with the broader national and state emphasis on mental health and may complement existing public health campaigns.

Although it does not create new programs or funding, it signals legislative support for mental health awareness in May 2025.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with typical past Mental Health Awareness proclamations in New York to illustrate common language and potential ceremonial implications.

Bill