NY A07977

Establishes a 12-member Rural Suicide Prevention Council within the office of mental hygiene, with members appointed by the commissioner, commissioner of health, commissioner of agriculture and markets, speaker of the assembly, temporary president of the senate, and minority leaders of both chambers.

Council shall examine causes and conditions related to rural suicides and suicide attempts, with particular focus on farmers and agricultural workers, and identify policies and resources to reduce rural suicide.

Council duties include recommending improvements to coordination of mental health and suicide prevention services in rural areas and recommending funding initiatives to increase access to services and innovative interventions for rural residents.

Council must meet at least twice annually and shall submit reports no later than January 1, 2023, and biennially thereafter, with policy and legislative recommendations to the governor and legislature.

Members receive no compensation but are reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses; act takes effect 90 days after becoming law.