BILL NUMBER: S6849

SPONSOR: WEBB
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the mental hygiene law, in relation to requiring certain
fees be deposited into the mental illness anti-stigma fund

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

The purpose of this bill is to reduce stigma related to individuals with
a mental health disorder and the need for treatment.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of this bill would require the Office of Mental Health to
direct funds generated from processing operating certificates into the
Mental Health Anti-Stigma Fund established under § 95-H of the State
Finance Law.

 
JUSTIFICATION:
              

Studies show that individuals dealing with mental health conditions in
the United States are increasing among all age groups, and stigma
continues to be a barrier to treatment services and supports. The
National Council for Mental Well-Being indicated that the average delay
between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years. In
2020, a survey cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) found that almost 41% of respondents are struggling with mental
health issues. More specifically, 31% of the study participants reported
experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, 26% experienced traumas
or stressor-related disorder symptoms, 13% indicated they started or
increased substance use, and 11% stated they have considered suicide in
the last 30 days.

In 2016, New York State established the Mental Health Anti-Stigma Fund.
Current law directs revenues received through the voluntary tax checkoff
program which allows taxpayers, on their NYS tax filing, to contribute
to the Anti-Stigma Fund in support of work which promotes the reduction
of stigma towards persons with mental illness.

In 2020, the Assembly One House Budget provided language that would have
directed revenue generated from fees related to processing operating
certificates for voluntary service providers under the jurisdiction of
the Office of Mental Health (OMB) into the Anti-Stigma Fund. Current law
requires the fees to be placed in the general fund.

This bill would help to further reduce the stigma of individuals strug-
gling with a mental health disorder and promote the benefit of mental
health treatment by requiring OMH to direct funds generated from fees
for processing operating certificates into the Mental Health Anti-Stigma
Fund.

Section 2 of this bill provides that the effective date shall take
effect immediately.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2023-24: S.3115
2021-22: S.8577 (Mannion) - Referred to Mental Health.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Undetermined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.