The proposed bill, designated as sHB7101, establishes a commission to study and recommend the implementation of a "HUSKY for All Single-Payer Universal Health Care Program" in the state, set to take effect on July 1, 2025. The commission will consist of various stakeholders, including state officials, healthcare advocates, and representatives from the insurance industry, labor unions, and academia, with the Commissioner of Health Strategy serving as chairperson. The commission's responsibilities include analyzing current healthcare spending, financing sources, and the potential economic impact of the proposed program, as well as evaluating the costs associated with existing medical assistance programs and private insurance. The commission is required to report its findings and recommendations by January 1, 2026, after which it will dissolve.

The bill includes several amendments to existing legal language for clarity, such as changing "Commissioner of the Office Health Strategy" to "Commissioner of Health Strategy" and modifying references to the "executive director" to "commissioner." Additionally, it introduces new provisions for appointing members to the commission, stipulating that if any appointing authority fails to fill a vacancy within thirty days, the Commissioner of Health Strategy will do so. The financial implications indicate a projected cost of $500,000 in fiscal year 2026 for the Office of Health Strategy to conduct the study, with no anticipated costs in subsequent years, and no expected municipal impacts associated with the legislation. The bill has received a favorable report from the Human Services Committee, indicating majority support for exploring universal health care options in the state.