Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation aimed at strengthening mental health support for law enforcement officers in New York. The measure, known as the “Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act,” establishes confidentiality requirements for communications during peer-to-peer counseling sessions among police officers.
The law is named after New York State Police Lieutenant Joseph Banish, who died by suicide in 2008. It seeks to address rising rates of suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder among police officers by reducing stigma and providing formal pathways for first responder mental wellness.
“Protecting New York’s first responders and ensuring they are well-equipped with support to successfully fulfill their duties is an essential part of my public safety mission,” Governor Hochul said. “Law enforcement officers who protect our communities during times of crisis deserve counseling services that are tailored to their unique experiences and conducted with discretion. By strengthening these programs, we are ensuring safe settings for honest conversations to improve the mental health and well-being of our first responders.”
The legislation sets standards for disclosure of information shared during counseling sessions, particularly when it involves threats of suicide or bodily harm, admissions of criminal conduct, or information about child abuse or neglect.
Police officers experience higher rates of suicide and PTSD compared to the general population, often due to exposure to traumatic incidents on the job. Obtaining mental health services can be challenging because traditional resources may not fully recognize the specific demands and culture of law enforcement work. Peer counseling programs have been established in many jurisdictions as a response. The new law aims to strengthen these programs by promoting confidentiality and encouraging open dialogue while maintaining necessary safeguards.
Earlier this year, Governor Hochul announced several initiatives designed to improve first responder mental health, including a Responder Wellness Program Primer for agencies looking to develop or enhance wellness efforts, a video highlighting first responder mental health needs, and a dedicated website focused on these issues.
These resources build upon findings from New York’s first First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment, which indicated that more than half of public safety workers report high levels of stress and burnout. The CARES UP program provides funding and other support to help agencies expand wellness initiatives.
The state has also increased capacity for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, offering 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors for those experiencing emotional distress or mental health crises.
New York Law Enforcement Assistance Program President Jim Banish said, “If this law were in effect in 2008 my brother may still be alive today. This law will save lives by giving officers a confidential peer to speak to without retribution on either end of the conversation. My brother Lt. Joseph Banish continues to save lives long after his passing. That’s a legacy worth leaving. We have been working on this for many years. Thank you Governor Hochul, Tommy Shevlin and everyone who made this happen!”
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Benevolent Association President Joseph Pugliese said, “For far too long, the stigma of mental health distress has silenced law enforcement officers, who are quietly suffering from various mental health issues. This has led to an epidemic in suicides committed by men and women in law enforcement across the State of New York and around the country. This critical legislation is an important first step towards ending the stigma, giving our officers the support they need and hopefully saving lives. I applaud Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership in signing this Bill into law and I thank both the Assembly and the Senate for passing this legislation unanimously. I also want to commend the Bill’s sponsors, Senator James Skoufis and Assembly Member Judy Griffin, as well as The Police Conference of New York and all the law enforcement unions, who joined together to pass this landmark legislation.”
Nassau County Police Benevolent Association President Thomas Shevlin said, “Today is groundbreaking, and a monumental first step in combating the mental health crisis our police officers face. Police officers have three times more of a chance of dying by suicide than by getting killed on the job. We are human and witness things that no one should have to see, hear, or smell, and we need to allow our brave officers the chance to get the help they need. I want to personally thank the NY State Assembly, Senate, and the Governor for supporting us and all of the brave men and women who risk their lives every day to keep New Yorkers safe.”
Suffolk County Police Benevolent Association President Louis Civello said, “This important legislation will help remove roadblocks that prevent officers from seeking help when they need it most. It will improve officer mental health, make police more effective and ultimately save lives. The Suffolk PBA commends Governor Hochul for her leadership on this critical issue.”
State Senator James Skoufis said, “We ask law enforcement officers to show up on our worst days, and when their own trauma and grief in the aftermath of danger, violence, and even death goes unprocessed, it can exacerbate and disrupt all areas of life. Giving officers support and resources from trusted colleagues with full confidentiality balances privacy with responsibility, and when officers receive the help they need, our communities are safer for it. I thank the Governor for signing this life-saving bill and always prioritizing public safety, my legislative partner Assemblymember Griffin, and especially the family of Lieutenant Joseph Banish, in whose honor this bill is named.”
State Senator Samra Brouk said,“As Chair of the Senate Mental Health Committee,I recognize that peer support has the power to save lives.With peer-to-peer mental health support ,our first responders will receive care they need cope with trauma grief.This critical resource enable maintain wellbeing continue keep communities safe.”
State Senator Chris Ryan said,“Every day ,law enforcement put own well-being line protect communities,often carry weight trauma silence.Lieutenant Joseph Banish Mental Health Act breaking down silence ensuring seek peer support fear personal conversations exposed.By strengthening confidentiality maintaining clear safeguards,this honors Lt.Banish’s legacy.I thank Governor Hochul signing critical standing making clear truly matters.”
Assemblymember Judy Griffin said,”This bill about supporting men women protect us every day ensuring vital resources effectively serve communities.Nature profession,repetitive trauma experienced aftermath imminent danger ,violence loss associated emergency operations documented exact toll personally professionally.When daunting experiences not processed addressed,potential exacerbate disrupt areas life.When becomes law,it ensure struggling issues confidential proximate resource timely direct assistance trained peer.”
Assemblymember Charles Lavine said,“This bill ,which proudly co-sponsored Assembly ,save lives providing struggling help need .Thank you Governor Hochul signing continued efforts end growing crisis among New York State .”
Assemblymember Michaelle Solages said,”Confidentiality cornerstone effective support.By codifying protections acknowledges unique psychological demands program accessible resources ensuring remain mentally emotionally resilient.We deeply grateful Kathy Hochul signing vital thank Judy Griffin James Skoufis steadfast leadership.Most importantly,want recognize courageous came forward share stories;vulnerability true catalysts change.”
Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar said,”I proud partnered colleagues pass Lieutenant Joseph Banish establishes confidential program safeguarding wellbeing heroes safeguard freedoms.At time 83 percent report challenges affect work,this initiative provides lifeline.Acknowledges profound toll delivers meaningful response reflects unwavering commitment honoring legacy caring serve.”
Assemblymember Nily Rozic said,“Lieutenant affirms must treated central part moves closer system meets people where provides real before occurs.Proud stand sponsors advocates fought make bill .”
Assemblymember Sam Berger said,“Our bravest people immune challenges come do every makes clear sacrifice here Peer-to-peer gives trusted colleague turn struggling helping process takes over want thank working together pass important honors memory ensures deserve.”
Assemblymember Noah Burroughs said,“This honors service recognizing simple truth: asking never risk.After learning often fear immediately saw importance creating confidential making departments safer spaces seek .”
Assemblymember Tommy John Schiavoni said,“I proud support thanks now dedicated network improve carry duties ensure pride honor familiar effects such PTSD.Work improve quality families making safer.”