Senate Bill No. 370, also known as File No. 308, is a legislative proposal that requires the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services to establish a peer-run respite center program. This program will consist of at least eight peer-run respite centers and one peer-run technical assistance center, strategically located across mental health regions. The centers are designed to serve adults in mental health crisis and will be staffed by peer support specialists with lived experience. The bill specifies that the centers should cater to diverse communities, including the TQI+ community, BIPOC individuals, and Spanish-speaking persons. The Commissioner is tasked with contracting with peer-run organizations to manage these centers and is also required to adopt regulations for training peer support specialists.

The bill outlines the duties of the peer-run technical assistance center, which include supporting the hiring process, promoting awareness, evaluating service needs and effectiveness, and developing best practices and training requirements for peer support specialists. The Commissioner must report annually to the General Assembly's public health committee on the program's progress, including any implementation barriers, starting by October 1, 2025. The bill carries a significant fiscal note, with an estimated cost of up to $5.5 million for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.