Vote: Floor vote
NY SenateJun 2, 2026Result: passed
(61) (0) (0) (2)
Senate bill · S5407 (2025-26)
Relates to the first responder peer support program act
New York State Senate
Same as A7285, the matching bill in the Assembly.
Latest action Jun 2, 2026
Sponsor: Pete Harckham (State Senator, District 40, Democratic/Working Families)
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From NY Open Legislation, the NY Senate and Assembly, and official rosters. This record was last updated Oct 25, 2026. About our data
Summary
Establishes the "first responder peer support program act" which supplies peer-to-peer mental health programs to first responders.
Summary from NY Open Legislation. How we handle summaries
Amends the Mental Hygiene Law.
Purpose, from the sponsor's memo
Enacts the first responder peer support program act SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS: : Section 1 titles the bill "First Responder Peer Support Program Act" Section 2 amends the mental hygiene law by adding new section 7.51 which defines the terms "the program" and "eligible entities. Additionally, (B) provides that the commissioner, subject to appropriation, shall establish a statewide grant program that provides grants to eligible entities for the purpose of establishing peer-topeer mental health programs for first responders. (c) provides that the commissioner shall establish standards applicable to the program. Such standards shall include, but not limited to, initial and continued training for first responder peer volunteers, administrative staffing needs, and best practices for addressing the needs of each first responder served, including, but not limited to, a warm handoff to mental health services for individuals identified as being in duress. (d)provides that the commissioner shall not require the recipient of any grant under this section to maintain records on first responders seeking support or report any personal identifying information directly or indi- rectly to the commissioner Section 3 states the effective date.
Filed with the bill. Read it on nysenate.gov (opens in a new tab)
Where it stands
Passed one of the two chambers; it still needs the other.
- Introduced
- In committee
- Up for a vote
- Passed one chamber
- Passed
- Enacted
Committee
Mental Health · New York State Assembly
Also referred to Mental Health · New York State Senate, Ways and Means · New York State Assembly.
Your position on this bill
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Cosponsors
Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.
Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab)- Democratic30
- Republican26
This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.
Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.
- Alexis Weik
- Angelo Santabarbara
- Anil Beephan Jr.
- Anna Kelles
- Anthony H. Palumbo
- Brian Cunningham
- Brian Maher
- Christopher Eachus
- Christopher Ryan
- Dan Stec
- Dana Levenberg
- Dean Murray
Show the full list (56 names)Show fewer cosponsors
- George Borrello
- Gustavo Rivera
- Jake Ashby
- Jake Ryan Blumencranz
- James Skoufis
- James Tedisco
- Jeff Gallahan
- Joe Angelino
- Jordan Wright
- Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
- Josh Jensen
- Karen McMahon
- Karl Brabenec
- Kevin S. Parker
- Kwani O'Pharrow
- Lea Webb
- Manny De Los Santos
- MaryJane Shimsky
- Matthew Simpson
- Matthew Slater
- Michael Cashman
- Michaelle C. Solages
- Michelle Hinchey
- Nathalia Fernandez
- Pamela Helming
- Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
- Patrick M. Gallivan
- Paula Kay
- Peter Oberacker
- Phil Steck
- Philip Palmesano
- Rebecca Seawright
- Robert Jackson
- Robert Rolison
- Samra Brouk
- Sarahana Shrestha
- Scott Gray
- Scott H. Bendett
- Steve Rhoads
- Steve Stern
- Steven Otis
- William Conrad
- William Weber
- Yudelka Tapia
The sponsor's argument
Why Pete Harckham says this is needed
First responders are frequently exposed to distressing situations. In order to address the emotional toll on these individuals it is vital that the state provides accessible resources such as peer support programs. The FBI has acknowledged that peer support programs are a unique service as they allow individuals with personal experience to assist others dealing with similar experiences through increased awareness, vigilance, empathic responses and emotional validation. These Peer support services have been proven effective in identifying risk factors for behavioral and mental health problems, reducing stigma, creating a welcoming envi- ronment and connecting individuals with outside professional resources for additional care when necessary. Modeled after the highly successful Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer to Peer Support Program, which was launched in 2012, this bill would estab- lish a First Responder Peer Support Program. This program would focus on prioritizing the mental well-being of the state's first responders. By enacting this bill we can ensure that first responders have access to the necessary systems to address some of the challenges they face.
This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.
Recorded votes
Vote: Committee vote · Rules
Senate RulesJun 2, 2026Result: passed
(20) (0) (0) (1)Vote: Floor vote
NY SenateJun 4, 2025Result: passed
(58) (0) (0) (5)Vote: Committee vote · Rules
Senate RulesMay 29, 2025Result: passed
(20) (0) (0) (1)Vote: Committee vote · Mental Health
Senate Mental HealthMar 5, 2025Result: passed
(7) (0) (0) (0)
Full history
- Jun 2, 2026
In committee
COMMITTEE DISCHARGED AND COMMITTED TO RULES
NY Senate
- Jun 2, 2026
Sent to the executive
DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
NY Senate
- Jun 2, 2026
Ordered to Third Reading CAL.1537
ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.1537
NY Senate
- Jun 2, 2026
Passed a chamber
PASSED SENATE
NY Senate
- Jun 2, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
Show full history (14 earlier events)Show less history
- May 19, 2026
Reported out of committee
REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
NY Assembly
- Jan 7, 2026
Died in Assembly
DIED IN ASSEMBLY
NY Assembly
- Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
NY Senate
- Jan 7, 2026
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
NY Assembly
- Jun 4, 2025
Sent to the executive
DELIVERED TO ASSEMBLY
NY Senate
- Jun 4, 2025
Passed a chamber
PASSED SENATE
NY Senate
- Jun 4, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
NY Assembly
- May 29, 2025
Amend and Recommit to Mental Health
AMEND AND RECOMMIT TO MENTAL HEALTH
NY Assembly
- May 29, 2025
Amended
AMENDED ON THIRD READING 5407A
NY Senate
- May 29, 2025
In committee
COMMITTEE DISCHARGED AND COMMITTED TO RULES
NY Senate
- May 29, 2025
Ordered to Third Reading CAL.1493
ORDERED TO THIRD READING CAL.1493
NY Senate
- Mar 25, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
NY Assembly
- Mar 5, 2025
Reported out of committee
REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
NY Senate
- Feb 21, 2025
Referred to committee
REFERRED TO MENTAL HEALTH
NY Senate
Read the record
- Read on NY Senate (opens in a new tab) The official record on nysenate.gov.