Morano on recent history: Local Laws 37-40 and agency non-compliance

Let's talk a little bit about some of the recent history that we're going to be exploring today.

In October of 2024, these committees examined the city's efforts to support veterans and their families impacted by PTSD.

At that time, New York City's Department of Veteran Services highlighted its family outreach efforts, their mental health programs, and resource navigation services, while local laws 37th.

38, 39, and 40 of 2024 had just taken effect.

The council is eagerly awaiting reporting required under Local Law 37, which is intended to help identify veterans when they interact with city agencies and connect them to available services.

One spoiler alert for the public, far too many city agencies are not in compliance with Local Law 37.

We're going to find out.

Who the biggest offenders are, and we're going to find out what we're going to do about why they're not in compliance.

The city has issued reports under local law 39, but participation and data quality remain concerns.

Only 10 agencies reported data in fiscal year 2024, and only seven agencies reported quantitative data in fiscal year 2025.

So while veteran identification has improved, the city still lacks consistent data on whether veterans who request mental health services ultimately receive care,

limiting the council's ability to assess service access and outcomes.

These gaps are especially important as veterans continue to face many of the same challenges as other New Yorkers, including housing instability, affordability pressures, bureaucratic barriers, and the stigma

that's associated with seeking mental health support.