[Enews] SHU Bill, Waiting List Bill have passed; Timothy's Law is pending

[NAMI-NYS Enews]

5:30 p.m., Friday, June 23, 2006. This is turning out to be a great day for mental health in New York State. The state Senate has approved the Housing Waiting List bill and the "SHU" bill limiting the solitary confinement of state prisoners with serious mental illness. Both bills were previously passed by the Assembly and will now go to the desk of Governor Pataki.

An amended Timothy's Law bill may be on track for passage in both the Senate and the Assembly. It's not a done deal yet, however. Negotiations are continuing and procedural issues must be dealt with. 

Among other things, the Housing Waiting List Bill, S.03653,"requires the establishment of community housing waiting lists within the office of mental health service system and directs each provider of housing services in the office of mental health system to provide, on a monthly basis, the office of mental health with a list of each person referred to, admitted to, applying for, withdrawing an application for and denied admission to housing provided by such provider."
An impassioned speech by Senate Mental Health Committee Chairman Thomas Morahan paved the way for its approval. If Gov. Pataki signs this bill, there will finally be an accurate assessment of the acutal need for community mental health housing in New York State.

The SHU bill, S.2207C, limits the placement of state prisoners with serious mental illness in "Special Housing Units," and provides for alternative units where such inmates would receive treatment. It passed the Senate by a vote of 61-0. Again, the bill has to be signed by the Governor to become law.
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