Substitute Senate Bill No. 1394 seeks to improve health care and mental health services for inmates in Connecticut's correctional institutions. It requires the Department of Public Health (DPH) to conduct annual evaluations of these services in collaboration with the Department of Correction (DOC), ensuring that best practices from national health care and correctional organizations are implemented. The Commissioner of Public Health must report these evaluations to the General Assembly's public health committee starting January 1, 2026. Additionally, the Correction Ombudsman is tasked with reporting on the adequacy of health care personnel and communication regarding inmate health services by the same deadline.

The bill also establishes a task force to explore barriers to recruiting and retaining health care personnel within DOC, comprising appointed members from health care unions and state officials. This task force is required to submit its findings and recommendations by January 1, 2026. While the bill anticipates significant costs to the General Fund, estimated between $550,700 and $900,700 in FY 26, primarily due to the mandated evaluations and reports, it does not impose a fiscal impact for the task force's activities, as the involved agencies have the necessary expertise. The projected expenses for FY 26 include approximately $261,700 in salary costs and additional operational expenses for new positions at DPH and a consultant for the Correction Ombudsman.