NY A05484

Creates a 42-member statewide person-centered mental health services work group, including 10 statewide members appointed by legislative leaders and the governor, 4 ex officio members from state health agencies, and 28 regional representatives from 9 geographic regions across New York

Requires regional members to have lived experience in the shelter system, public housing, court involvement, or public health/substance use/mental health systems, with the overall membership reflecting the race and ethnicity of people using public mental health services

Directs the work group to develop recommendations for a regional and statewide mental health planning system that integrates behavioral and physical health, establishes measurable outcomes and accountability, and creates a transparent annual evaluation process

Mandates creation of a statewide clearinghouse of best practices posted publicly on relevant state agency websites and establishment of an annual budgeting system to fund regional priorities

Requires the work group to submit a report with recommendations to the governor and legislature by November 1, 2026, with the report posted on agency websites and distributed through public media channels