NY A00733

Requires the Office of Mental Health to submit a written report to the legislature at least 365 days before seeking closure of any facility or institution, including justification for the proposed closure.

Grants the legislature or its appropriate committees authority to block facility closures if they determine the proposed closure is not justified, unless approved by a majority vote of each house.

Requires the commissioner to confer with the Department of Civil Service, Governor's Office of Employee Relations, and other agencies to develop strategies minimizing workforce impact through state employment assistance and retraining programs.

Mandates consultation with the Department of Economic Development to minimize impacts on local and regional economies from service reductions.

Applies similar legislative approval requirements to the Office of Children and Family Services for closure of secure or limited secure facilities, with the same 365-day advance notice requirement.