The Daniel’s Law Coalition, of which NYLPI is an active member, seeks to pass legislation in New York State that would end the over-reliance on police as first responders to mental health and substance use crises.

The legislation, known as Daniel’s Law, was introduced this session, but has not yet been voted upon. Governor Hochul and the State Legislature, however, created the “Daniel’s Law Task Force” as part of the 2023-2024 budget, and Daniel’s brother and the Daniel’s Law Coalition have issued the following statements.

“It’s been three years since my brother was killed by police while he was experiencing a mental health crisis. His life mattered, but the Governor’s budget says otherwise. I’m deeply concerned about Governor Hochul’s decision to reject funding for a Daniel’s Law pilot program in the final budget.” – Joe Prude, brother of Daniel Prude

“The final budget creates a task force named after Daniel Prude, but which fails to include the hallmarks of Daniel’s Law that were designed to ensure no one else in crisis is killed at the hands of police – the integration of peers with lived experience, and the centering of a non-police, public health first response.” – Daniel’s Law Coalition

Read both full statements here.

Learn more about NYLPI’s campaign to Transform New York’s Mental Health Crisis Response here.

Read coverage about Baerga v. City of New York here.