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NY A09645
Bill
Status
1/21/2026
Primary Sponsor
Charles Lavine
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AI Summary
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Establishes a Veteran Suicide Mortality Review Board within the Department of Health, in consultation with the Office of Mental Health and Department of Veterans' Services, to conduct multidisciplinary reviews of veteran suicide deaths statewide
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Board membership includes 13+ members: commissioners of health, mental health, and veterans' services (or designees); county medical examiners/coroners; licensed mental health clinicians; public health experts; a non-voting VA representative; and up to 3 governor-appointed experts serving renewable 3-year terms
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Grants the board access to death certificates, coroner reports, and relevant state and VA records, with all individual case information protected as confidential, not subject to subpoena, and inadmissible in court proceedings
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Requires annual reports to the governor, legislature, and health commissioner summarizing statewide veteran suicide trends, systemic gaps contributing to deaths, and evidence-based policy recommendations using only de-identified data
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Takes effect 6 months after enactment, with the board required to convene its first meeting within 90 days of the effective date
Legislative Description
Establishes a veteran suicide mortality review board to serve as the statewide entity responsible for the multidisciplinary review of suicide deaths among veterans by identifying trends and systemic factors contributing to veteran suicide; assessing gaps in services, access to care, and institutional practices; developing evidence-based recommendations for prevention and policy improvement; and promoting collaboration among relevant state, local, and federal agencies.
Last Action
referred to veterans' affairs
1/21/2026