New York lawmakers are renewing pressure on Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation aimed at addressing suicide prevention in rural communities, two years after she vetoed a similar proposal.

The bipartisan legislation would establish a temporary 15-member Rural Suicide Prevention Council within the state Office of Mental Health. The bill passed both chambers of the state Legislature without opposition.

State Sen. Pam Helming, a Republican who sponsors the legislation, said the suicide rate in rural New York from 2021 through 2023 was approximately 90% higher than in urban areas.

The council would be required to issue a preliminary report within nine months and a final report within 18 months. The final report could include recommendations for additional legislation. The law establishing the council would expire after two years.

“This council would not duplicate or replace existing programs,” Helming said. “What it does, it builds upon the foundation of previous suicide prevention initiatives and behavioral health services.”