Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act (A.6721-A) seeks to extend mental health resources to New York police officers.

 Assemblyman Daniel J. Norber (R,C-Great Neck) strongly supports a bipartisan push for police officers to receive mental health resources. The “Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act” (A.6721-A) establishes a confidential peer support program for New York’s law enforcement officers. This legislation trains designated officers to provide peer-to-peer counseling, addressing the trauma and stress officers face daily.

“Our officers carry an emotional burden. These are wounds that we cannot always see on the surface, but I’m committed to ensuring they have accessible mental health support to serve our communities effectively,” said Norber.

The “Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act” is named in memory of Lt. Joseph Banish, a state trooper lost to suicide. By supporting our officers, we enhance community safety. If passed, this legislation would align New York with states like Oregon and Ohio in championing law enforcement mental health.