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Bill

S 4969

Requires victims of firearm violence be offered and/or provided psychiatric care

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jamaal Bailey and 4 co-sponsors

Bill S 4969 mandates psychiatric care for victims of firearm violence, ensuring they receive essential mental health support to aid recovery and address trauma.

REFERRED TO HEALTH
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4969

Summary of Bill S 4969

Bill Number: S 4969
Title: Requires victims of firearm violence be offered and/or provided psychiatric care
Status: Referred to Health
Introduced: February 14, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 4969 aims to ensure that individuals who are victims of firearm violence receive appropriate psychiatric care. The intent of the bill is to address the mental health needs of these victims, recognizing that exposure to firearm violence can lead to significant psychological trauma. By mandating the provision of psychiatric care, the bill seeks to promote recovery and support the overall well-being of affected individuals.

Key Provisions

  • Mandatory Psychiatric Care: The bill requires that victims of firearm violence be offered psychiatric care. This includes both immediate and ongoing mental health services to address trauma and related psychological issues.

  • Access to Services: The legislation emphasizes the importance of accessibility to mental health services for victims, potentially including provisions for referrals to mental health professionals or facilities.

  • Support Framework: The bill may establish a framework for coordination between healthcare providers, mental health services, and law enforcement agencies to ensure that victims receive timely and effective care.

Affected Parties

  • Victims of Firearm Violence: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals who have experienced firearm-related incidents, including shootings and other forms of violence involving firearms.

  • Healthcare Providers: Mental health professionals and healthcare facilities will be impacted as they will be required to offer services to victims as mandated by the bill.

  • Law Enforcement and Community Organizations: These entities may play a role in facilitating access to psychiatric care and ensuring that victims are informed of their rights to such services.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 14, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the Health Committee.
  • May 13, 2025: The bill was reported for the first time.
  • May 14, 2025: The bill was reported again and advanced to a third reading.
  • May 15, 2025: The bill advanced to a third reading in the Senate.
  • May 19, 2025: The bill passed the Senate and was delivered to the Assembly, where it was again referred to the Health Committee.

Related Legislation

  • S 5894: A related bill from a prior session that may address similar issues concerning firearm violence and mental health.
  • A 8580: A companion bill that may provide additional context or provisions related to the care of victims of firearm violence.

Conclusion

Bill S 4969 represents a significant step towards addressing the mental health needs of victims of firearm violence. By mandating psychiatric care, the bill aims to provide essential support to individuals affected by such traumatic experiences, fostering recovery and resilience in communities impacted by firearm violence.

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

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