Bill

A 988

Requires the office of mental health to convene forums and listening sessions in areas with high rates of death by suicide, suicide attempts, or other risk factors associated with suicide

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Maritza Davila and 3 co-sponsors

OMH must hold forums and listening sessions in high suicide-risk areas to gather community input, guiding NY mental health planning and resource allocation.

REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS

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Bill Summary · A 988

Summary of New York Assembly Bill A 988 (2025)

Overview

A 988 would require the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) to convene forums and listening sessions in areas with high rates of suicide death, suicide attempts, or other risk factors associated with suicide. The bill reflects an emphasis on community engagement and gathering local input to address suicide risk.

Purpose and Intent

Center the experiences and concerns of communities at elevated risk for suicide.
Provide structured opportunities for residents, families, providers, and community organizations to share insights and perspectives.
Inform OMH planning, policy development, and allocation of mental health resources based on input from high-risk areas.

Key Provisions

Mandate: OMH must organize forums and listening sessions in areas identified as having high rates of suicide-related outcomes or related risk factors.
Scope: The requirement applies to locations with elevated risk, as determined by OMH or governing criteria (exact metrics are not specified in the summary provided).
Format and Deliverables: The summary does not specify exact formats, frequency, reporting requirements, or outcomes; those details would be expected to be defined in the bill's text or subsequent implementing regulations.

Affected Parties

Primary agency: New York Office of Mental Health.
Residents and organizations in high-risk areas (e.g., communities, mental health providers, schools, local governments) that participate in the forums and listening sessions.
Stakeholders involved in suicide prevention and mental health policy formulation.

Legislative Status and Timeline

Introduced: January 8, 2025.
Legislative actions:
- January 8, 2025: Referred to Mental Health.
- March 11, 2025: Reported and referred to Ways and Means (listed twice in the actions).
Status: REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS, indicating progression to the budget/appropriations committee for fiscal consideration.
Related bill: A 10202 (prior-session), suggesting similar or related proposals in a previous session.

Fiscal and Administrative Implications

The designation to Ways and Means signals potential review of funding needs or budget impacts to implement the forums and listening sessions.
Specific costs (venue, staffing, outreach, data collection, reporting) are not enumerated in the provided information; final fiscal details would be clarified during committee hearings and in the bill’s fiscal note.

Potential Impact

Strengthened community input in state mental health planning for areas with elevated suicide risk.
Enhanced data-informed decision-making for targeted prevention and resource allocation.
Greater visibility and accountability for OMH in addressing local risk factors related to suicide.

Next Steps for Tracking

Monitor further committee hearings and floor action on A 988.
Review the full bill text for exact procedural details (timeline, reporting requirements, data collection, and funding provisions).
Compare with related A 10202 to understand coverage and differences across sessions.

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