NY S02070

Establishes a 12-member Rural Suicide Prevention Council within the office of mental hygiene to address suicide in rural areas as defined in Executive Law Section 481

Council membership appointed by: the mental hygiene commissioner (2), health commissioner (2), agriculture and markets commissioner (2), assembly speaker (2), senate temporary president (2), assembly minority leader (1), and senate minority leader (1)

Council duties include examining causes of rural suicides, identifying relevant policies and resources, recommending service coordination improvements, and recommending funding for mental health and suicide prevention services in rural areas

Council must meet at least twice annually and submit a report to the governor and legislature by January 1, 2021, and biennially thereafter with policy, legislation, and funding recommendations

Members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses; legislation takes effect 90 days after enactment