Substitute Senate Bill No. 1285 proposes the establishment of a pilot program for overdose prevention centers in four municipalities in Connecticut, aimed at providing community-based support for individuals with substance use disorders. These centers will offer services such as counseling, drug testing, education on opioid antagonists, and referrals to treatment, while allowing individuals to safely consume controlled substances under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and allows for the formation of an advisory committee to guide the program's implementation. Notably, the bill prohibits the use of state funds for the centers, permitting DMHAS to accept private donations and grants instead.

In addition to establishing the pilot program, the bill modifies existing law by removing the requirement for federally qualified health centers to obtain a certificate of need, thereby streamlining the process for establishing overdose prevention centers. The bill also includes several insertions and deletions to current law, such as changing "the establishment at harm reduction centers" to "the establishment of harm reduction centers" and introducing a new requirement for a birth center to be established by June 30, 2028. The DMHAS is mandated to report on the pilot program's effectiveness and provide recommendations for future legislation by January 1, 2027, emphasizing the importance of enhancing public health and safety in the context of substance use and overdose prevention.