Senate Substitute Bill No. 1005, titled "AN ACT CONCERNING A STUDY OF THE POST-PANDEMIC NEEDS OF CHILDREN," proposes to amend Section 24 of public act 22-81 to establish a task force dedicated to studying the comprehensive needs of children in the state post-pandemic. The task force is tasked with addressing issues previously outlined in subsection (a) of section 30 of public act 21-46, providing recommendations to increase access to child care, studying the feasibility of adjusting school start times for the well-being of students, and conducting a needs assessment for children to identify gaps in existing conditions versus desired outcomes, specifically those gaps attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill includes insertions that expand the task force's responsibilities to include a representative from the Connecticut Youth Services Association and extends the task force's termination date to July 1, 2024, or upon submission of its report, whichever is later.

The bill outlines the composition of the task force, the appointment process for members, and the administrative support to be provided. It also sets deadlines for the initial meeting and for the submission of updated reports to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children. The bill has no fiscal impact on the state or municipalities as the task force has the expertise to carry out the requirements of the bill without additional costs. The act is effective from passage and amends PA 22-81, Sec. 24.