Substitute House Bill No. 7109 seeks to enhance behavioral health services for children and adolescents, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder, by implementing recommendations from the Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee. The bill establishes a grant program funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to support state-certified behavioral health clinics. It mandates the Commissioner of Social Services to develop reimbursement models for acuity-based care coordination and create a value-based payment system for providers. Additionally, the bill raises the age limit for individuals receiving behavioral therapy from "children less than twenty-one" to "individuals under twenty-six," ensuring that therapy is provided or supervised by licensed professionals. It also requires a report on grant fund expenditures and their impact on behavioral outcomes by November 1, 2025.

The legislation expands the list of mandated reporters for child abuse investigations to include licensed behavior analysts and those working under their supervision. It requires the Commissioner of Children and Families to notify the Department of Public Health of any investigations involving behavior analysts accused of child abuse or neglect. The bill establishes a 27-member advisory committee to provide guidance on the regulatory framework for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services, with a report due by November 1, 2025. Furthermore, it mandates that employers of behavior analysts provide patients with the analyst's license number and instructions for reporting complaints. The effective dates for various provisions range from July 1, 2025, to January 1, 2026, reflecting a comprehensive approach to improving behavioral health services and oversight for children.