For Immediate Release:

The Daniel's Law Coalition Responds to Funding Allocations in 2026 New York State Budget

Rochester, NY– In response to the inclusion of funding for Daniel's Law Start-Up Programs in the New York State Budget, the Daniel's Law Coalition issues the following statement:

The Daniel’s Law Coalition thanks the Prude family, Senator Brouk, Assembly Member Bronson, the Daniel’s Law Task Force and numerous other directly-impacted community advocates and legislators, who have fought for the passage and full funding of Daniel’s Law for the last five years.

We are grateful that the 2026 State Budget implements a key recommendation from the Daniel’s Law Taskforce - providing $2 million to create an independent Behavioral Health Crisis Technical Assistance Center to develop standardized protocols and procedures for community-based public health-led response programs. Additionally, we welcome the $6 million investment to support programs centered on peer-led, non-police responses to those experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. This investment begins to create the infrastructure necessary to pass Daniel’s Law and implement health-led response systems in every corner of New York State.

However, we are greatly disappointed that the State Budget expands ineffective, inhumane approaches to people in crisis. The expansion of involuntary treatment and overreliance on police will continue to endanger the lives of those with mental health and substance use diagnoses.

Until New York State appropriately invests in voluntary mental health and substance use resources, as well as social services such as housing, individuals with mental health and substance use diagnoses will continue to be harmed.

The Daniel’s Law Coalition will continue to fight for the full funding and passage of Daniel’s Law to ensure that individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis receive a peer-led health response, grounded in care and compassion.
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