Relates to certain crisis responders using a green light

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick

Allows eligible crisis responders to display a green flashing light to request courtesy on the road during mental-health emergencies, not a right-of-way grant.

REFERRED TO TRANSPORTATION

Summary of Bill S. 10476 (2025-2026) – New York

Purpose and intent

This bill authorizes crisis responders who assist veterans and first responders in mental health emergencies to display a green flashing light on a motor vehicle. The intent is to improve roadway visibility, public awareness, and the efficiency and safety of crisis-response efforts during mental health crises, including suicidal ideation and substance-related emergencies.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions and scope

Reiterates and expands terms related to crisis response in the vehicle and traffic law.
Defines “crisis responder” as:
An individual who is a veteran, a first responder, or a trained peer crisis specialist.
Affiliated with or volunteering for a recognized crisis-response program serving veterans and/or first responders (including programs addressing PTSD, substance-use emergencies, and suicide prevention).
Having completed crisis-intervention training approved by either the New York State Division of Veterans’ Services, the Office of Mental Health, or the Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

Authorization to display green light

An authorized crisis responder may equip one motor vehicle with a green flashing light, as prescribed by the commissioner, when responding to an active mental-health or suicide-prevention emergency involving a veteran or first responder.
The green light is explicitly not a right-of-way privilege; it is intended to request courtesy from other motorists to yield.
The display of the green light must comply with all applicable rules and regulations governing volunteer emergency vehicle lighting.

Operational and regulatory framework

The green-light authority aligns crisis responders with existing standards for volunteer emergency-vehicle lighting, ensuring consistency with current traffic-safety rules.

Who is affected

Crisis responders who meet the eligibility criteria (veterans, first responders, or trained peer crisis specialists) and are affiliated with or volunteering for recognized crisis-response programs.

Veterans and first responders in mental-health emergencies who may benefit from faster, more visible crisis response.

Public and motorists who interact with crisis responders on roadways, receiving courtesy while the responder is en route to an emergency scene.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The act would take effect on the ninetieth day after becoming law.

It references existing regulatory standards for volunteer emergency lighting, and the authorization is subject to the commissioner’s regulations.

Overall impact

S. 10476 aims to enhance the responsiveness and safety of crisis-intervention efforts during acute mental-health crises by providing a clearly visible signaling mechanism for crisis responders. It seeks to balance rapid response with roadway safety by clarifying that the green light is a courtesy signal, not a priority right-of-way.