Substitute House Bill No. 7108 aims to improve services for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities in Connecticut by mandating the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) to reassess statutory definitions and eligibility criteria for state services. The bill requires OPM to collaborate with various state agencies to implement recommendations from a report on intellectual disability regulations, including exploring a broader definition of developmental disability and evaluating current assessment tools. Additionally, the bill establishes new staff positions to coordinate autism services, creates an interagency coalition to enhance service delivery, and mandates the Secretary to file a report by January 1, 2026, detailing recommendations for eligibility changes and the impact of Medicaid waiver programs.

The bill also introduces significant reporting obligations for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) regarding abuse and neglect complaints. Starting January 15, 2026, DDS must provide annual reports on various metrics related to these complaints, including the number received, investigated, and the median length of investigations. Furthermore, DDS is required to report quarterly on expenditures for services, waiting lists, and anticipated lapsed funds, with annual joint hearings by legislative committees to review the safety and quality of care for individuals with disabilities. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025, and the bill includes new legal language to enhance transparency while deleting outdated provisions to streamline the reporting process.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 4-67bb
HS Joint Favorable Substitute: 4-67bb
File No. 470: 4-67bb