MHANYS is disappointed Governor Hochul vetoed legislation (S.2681-A , Cooney) that would have required the Division of State Police to develop a critical incident leave policy for the State Police.
The nation-leading bill would have provided state troopers with up to 20 days of paid leave following traumatic events. While half of American adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, law enforcement officers experience an average of 178 over the course of their careers, according to a 2023 FBI study. MHANYS and other statewide mental health advocacy organizations strongly supported the legislation. Governor Hochul’s veto message recognized the “goal of supporting the mental health of Troopers involved in critical incidents is important and well-intentioned” and committed to further discussing this issue as part of the upcoming budget process.
MHANYS looks forward to continuing its advocacy on this important legislation in 2026. Our state troopers respond to the worst moments in our lives, from car crashes, natural disasters, domestic violence calls, to other emergencies bearing witness to unimaginable trauma. New York State must establish critical leave policies that provide our state troopers with the time needed to process, recover, and receive support.
