Public Hearing: The Treatment Court Expansion Act (S.4547)

Senate Standing Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders
Chair: Senator Nathalia Fernandez
Co-Sponsor: Senator Jessica Ramos
Public Hearing: The Treatment Court Expansion Act (S.4547)
Place: Senate Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, NY
Time: 10:00 A.M.
Contact: Kimberly Bernstein (518) 455-3595; Rocio Chanez (518) 455-2523
Media Contact: David Montilla (718) 755-8197; Trivette Knowles (913) 961-4034
ORAL TESTIMONY BY INVITATION ONLY

SUBJECT: The Treatment Court Expansion Act, S.4547

PURPOSE: Examine and discuss the need for the Treatment Court Expansion Act

The Committee on Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders will hold a hearing on the Treatment Court Expansion Act (S.4547). This hearing will provide insight into the state of mental health services, how the criminal justice and correctional systems have become the defacto psychiatric facility for too many New Yorkers experiencing the most serious mental health challenges, and ways the Treatment Court Expansion Act could address this ongoing crisis.

One out of every five New Yorkers have symptoms of a mental disorder, yet thousands go without needed medical care. A substantial portion of people in jails and prisons have a mental health diagnosis or suffer from a substance use disorder, which creates an even more destabilized environment when they are released from incarceration. The Treatment Court Expansion Act would prioritize rehabilitation over incarceration for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders by expanding access to treatment courts focused on addressing the root causes for criminal behavior, reducing recidivism, and providing a more humane and costeffective alternative to harsh prosecution. The hearing goal is to ensure that voices of justiceimpacted individuals and people directly working in these systems are heard.

Persons wishing to present pertinent testimony to the Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 5 minutes duration. Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

Attendees and participants at any legislative public hearing should be aware that these proceedings are video recorded. Their likenesses may be included in any video coverage shown on television or the internet.

In order to meet the needs of those who may have a disability, the Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee, in accordance with the Senate’s policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to State Legislature facilities and activities.