NY A03174

Establishes a 9-member behavioral health services for veterans advisory board within the division, with appointments distributed among the governor (3 members), temporary president of the senate (2), speaker of the assembly (2), minority leader of the senate (1), and minority leader of the assembly (1).

Board members serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority and receive no compensation, but are reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses related to their duties.

Directs the advisory board to study and analyze the adequacy of existing behavioral health services for veterans and identify needs for new services, working with the division, office of alcoholism and substance abuse services, department of health, and department of mental hygiene.

Requires the board to submit findings and recommendations for expanded and improved behavioral health services to the governor and legislature on or before October 1, 2020.

Effective date is April 1, 2020, with authority to adopt necessary rules and regulations immediately for implementation.