SENATE GIVES FINAL PASSAGE TO LEGISLATION TO CREATE DEDICATED FUNDING STREAM FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVERSION (LEAD) PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT NEW YORK STATE

The New York State Senate gave final approval today to legislation, sponsored by Senator George Amedore and Assemblymember Patricia Fahy (S.8760/A.10403), that would create a dedicated funding stream to help replicate and expand Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs throughout New York State.

“This bill will help individuals who are struggling with addiction or mental health issues get the services and support they need, and put an end to the continuous cycle through the criminal justice system,” said Senator Amedore. “This legislation will help fund and expand LEAD programs that have been successful in helping to get vulnerable individuals back on the right path, which will lead to stronger, healthier communities.”

“All too often placing individuals with underlying mental health, housing or drug issues in jail can exacerbate the issues that landed these individuals in jail in the first place and at a major cost to public safety and taxpayers,” said Assemblymember Patricia Fahy. “LEAD has demonstrated exceptional success in Albany and elsewhere in diverting certain low-level, non-violent offenders to support services and keeping them out of the criminal justice system. Any program that is able to deliver such an impressive reduction in recidivism deserves to be replicated statewide. I could not be more proud that both houses of the legislature have voted to dedicate a funding stream to help expand this program that has the potential to boost public health and safety for the benefit of communities and law enforcement effectiveness in New York.”

LEAD programs, including a nationally recognized program in the City of Albany, seek to divert non-violent offenders into substance abuse, mental health, housing assistance or other programs rather than subject them to prosecution. These programs do not currently have a steady stream of funding, and rely on grant funding, which has seriously limited their growth. This legislation enables the use of proceeds from civil asset forfeitures for LEAD programs and provides the Commissioner of the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) the authority to provide funding available to LEAD programs in the state to assist individuals with substance use disorders. Notably, a more established LEAD program in Seattle resulted in a striking 58% reduction in recidivism for participants.

The bill will be sent to the Governor for his signature.
                                                                    

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