Substitute House Bill No. 7108, now Public Act No. 25-89, establishes new reporting and review requirements for the Commissioner of Developmental Services regarding abuse and neglect investigations and funding for services related to autism and intellectual disabilities. The bill mandates that by January 15, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner must file a report detailing the number of abuse and neglect complaints received, the investigations conducted, and the outcomes of those investigations. Additionally, the Commissioner is required to review departmental policies and procedures related to these investigations every five years, ensuring they reflect current practices and include feedback from qualified providers. The bill also introduces a requirement for quarterly reports on the expenditure of funds appropriated for developmental services, including information on waiting lists and reasons for unspent funds.

Furthermore, the bill establishes working groups to study the use of Southbury Training School and the feasibility of an interagency complex case team for young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. These groups are tasked with making recommendations on service delivery and addressing the needs of individuals who may require support from multiple state agencies. The Commissioner of Social Services is also directed to apply for federal or private funding for a state-wide autism needs assessment. The joint standing committees of the General Assembly are empowered to hold annual hearings to review the safety and quality of care for individuals with disabilities receiving Medicaid-funded services, ensuring accountability and responsiveness to audit findings.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 4-67bb
HS Joint Favorable Substitute: 4-67bb
File No. 470: 4-67bb
APP Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 915: