Substitute House Bill No. 5458, known as Special Act No. 24-5, is an act concerning homelessness, set to be effective from July 1, 2024. The bill defines "Connecticut Housing Engagement and Support Services" (CHESS) as a program established under Medicaid to improve housing stability and health outcomes for persons meeting federally approved criteria. The Commissioner of Social Services, in consultation with the Commissioners of Housing and Mental Health and Addiction Services, is tasked with developing a strategic plan to enhance outcomes for CHESS participants and to reduce housing instability statewide. The plan should include potential amendments to the state plan or waiver programs under Sections 1915(i) and 1915(b)(4) of the Social Security Act, streamlining of multiagency administrative procedures, and exploration of additional Medicaid waivers or state plan amendments targeting social determinants of health, such as housing, nutrition, and health management supports.

By January 1, 2025, the Commissioner of Social Services must submit a report to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly that oversee aging, children, housing, human services, and public health. This report should include metrics related to the health, housing, and economic stability of CHESS participants, plans and progress on streamlining administrative procedures, identification of additional Medicaid waivers or state plan amendments to address social determinants of health, and a timeline for applications for such programs. The bill does not specify any insertions or deletions to current law, but it does mandate the creation of a strategic plan and a subsequent report to improve the support system for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.