Senate Bill No. 1360 mandates that the Commissioner of Social Services nominate a Medicaid director for the Department of Social Services, with the appointment requiring legislative confirmation by the General Assembly. This change replaces the current practice where the commissioner has the sole authority to appoint the Medicaid director without legislative oversight. The bill stipulates that any individual serving as the Medicaid director prior to the bill's passage will continue in an interim capacity until their appointment is confirmed or denied by the legislature. Additionally, if a nominee is rejected, they cannot serve in that position for the remainder of the legislative term.

The bill also includes a technical amendment to the existing law, specifically in subsection (a) of section 17b-3, which is repealed and replaced with new language that emphasizes the commissioner's responsibilities in accordance with state and federal law. The overall fiscal impact of the bill is assessed as neutral, with no expected costs to the state or municipalities. The bill is set to take effect upon passage.