House Bill No. 5398, as amended by House Amendments "A" through "E," is an act requiring a study of communication systems used by public safety personnel with a focus on privacy concerns. The bill mandates that the Division of State-wide Emergency Telecommunications within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Developmental Services, and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services jointly conduct this study. The study will examine the policies and practices related to the use of communication systems among public safety personnel, identify any concerns regarding the sharing of private information, such as health information, through such systems, and recommend changes if deemed appropriate. The bill includes insertions that specify the involvement of the Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board, the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, the Police Officer Standards and Training Council, and the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association in the study.

The bill requires that by January 1, 2025, a report including the results of the study and any recommendations for changes to statutes, policies, and practices related to the use of communication systems among public safety personnel be submitted to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public safety and security. The bill is effective from passage and creates a new section in the law. The fiscal impact statement and bill analysis indicate that there is no fiscal impact on the state or municipalities as the agencies involved have the expertise to conduct the study without additional funding. The bill has received joint favorable votes from both the Public Safety and Security Committee and the Public Health Committee.