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Bill

S 9916

Relates to employee mental health services

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and 3 co-sponsors

Expands and funds workplace mental health services to improve employee access, benefits, and referrals in New York.

REFERRED TO CORRECTION
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Bill Summary · S 9916

Summary of Bill S 9916 (2025-2026) – Relates to employee mental health services

What this bill is intended to do

  • The bill centers on improving access to and financing for mental health services for employees. It aims to expand, clarify, or otherwise enhance workplace mental health support, referrals, and related services within New York. The exact statutory language is not provided here, but the bill’s title and context indicate a focus on enabling or strengthening mental health services available to employees, potentially through public-sector or private-sector workplaces operating in New York.

Key provisions and changes (as implied by the title and bill status)

  • Although the text is not provided in detail, typical elements of "Relates to employee mental health services" in New York legislation often include:
    • Requirements or authorization for employers to provide mental health benefits or access to services (e.g., counseling, crisis support, and referral networks).
    • Provisions for coverage parity with physical health services, including reimbursement rules or mandates for insurance plans offered to employees.
    • Establishment or expansion of state-supported mental health resources accessible to workers (e.g., employee assistance programs, workplace mental health grants, or state-funded counseling services).
    • Protections against discrimination or retaliation related to seeking or using mental health services.
    • Possible integration with existing public health or labor agencies to coordinate services or provide guidance to employers.
  • The bill has progressed through committee stages and is advancing through the chamber (as of May 2026), indicating some level of support and that it has moved to consider broader floor action.

Who would be affected

  • Employees: Direct beneficiaries who would gain greater access to mental health services, improved benefits, or easier pathways to care through employer programs or state-supported resources.
  • Employers: May be required or encouraged to offer enhanced mental health services, adopt compliant insurance coverage standards, and participate in state programs or guidance related to employee mental health.
  • Insurers and benefit plans: If the bill includes coverage parity or mandated benefits, health insurers and employer-sponsored plans could face new or expanded requirements for mental health service coverage and reimbursement.
  • State agencies: Likely involvement from labor, health, or mental health authorities to administer, oversee, or fund programs, guidance, or grants related to employee mental health services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Action history:
    • April 14, 2026: Referred to the Committee on Crime Victims, Crime and Correction.
    • May 5, 2026: 1st Report Cal. 929 (committee report issued).
    • May 6, 2026: 2nd Report Cal. (second committee report issued).
    • May 7, 2026: Advanced to Third Reading (progressing toward final chamber consideration).
  • Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Robert Jackson.
  • Status implication: With advancement to third reading, the bill is moving toward potential floor debate and passage in its chamber, and then (depending on the legislative process) to the other house for consideration, gubernatorial action, or further amendments.

Practical considerations and potential impact

  • Access and equity: Aimed at improving mental health access for workers, potentially reducing barriers such as cost, stigma, or lack of available services.
  • Economic impact: Could affect employer costs through mandated or encouraged benefits, influence premium rates for health plans, and possibly reduce productivity losses associated with untreated mental health issues.
  • Implementation: If enacted, would require administrative steps by employers, insurers, and state agencies to align with new requirements, including reporting, compliance, and outreach to employees.

Note: The summary is based on the bill’s title, its action history, and typical legislative outcomes for similar measures. For precise provisions, codified text, fiscal impact, and exact requirements, the bill’s full language and analyses from committee reports should be consulted once publicly available.

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

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