Substitute Senate Bill No. 1285 proposes the establishment of a pilot program for overdose prevention centers in four municipalities in Connecticut, aimed at supporting individuals with substance use disorders. These centers will provide essential services such as mental health counseling, drug testing technology, educational resources on opioid antagonists, and referrals to treatment services. Importantly, the centers will allow individuals to safely consume controlled substances under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers, who will be available to administer medical assistance in case of an overdose. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to oversee the program, which will include various stakeholders and will be responsible for making recommendations on maximizing public health benefits and ensuring proper disposal of drug paraphernalia.

To facilitate the implementation of this pilot program, the bill amends existing law by repealing subsection (b) of section 19a-638 and replacing it with new language that exempts overdose prevention centers from needing a certificate of need for establishment. This change is intended to reduce bureaucratic barriers typically associated with establishing healthcare facilities. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of state funds for the program, allowing the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) to accept private donations and grants instead. The bill also includes provisions for increasing licensed bed capacity for mental health facilities and introduces a timeline for establishing a birth center by June 30, 2028. A report on the pilot program's effectiveness and recommendations for future legislation is required by January 1, 2027.