NY A04860

Establishes residential treatment facilities operated by public or private non-profit organizations as an alternative to incarceration for persons with serious mental illness accused of felony-level crimes.

Requires voluntary and informed consent from participants, memorialized in an agreement among the presiding judge, defendant's counsel, county prosecutor, and the person with serious mental illness to reside at the facility and wear a GPS device when leaving.

Mandates facilities provide medication management, psychiatric and therapeutic treatment, substance use disorder treatment, and basic life skills training in a safe, violence-free environment.

Requires the prosecuting agency to agree not to seek incarceration for the alleged crimes if the person successfully completes the treatment program outlined in the agreement.

Directs the commissioner of mental health to implement regulations and licensure requirements within nine months and seek federal funding participation within ninety days of the law's effective date.