Substitute House Bill No. 7108 aims to improve oversight and reporting of abuse and neglect investigations within the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) while enhancing services for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. Key provisions include the requirement for the Commissioner of Developmental Services to file annual reports on abuse and neglect complaints, investigations, and outcomes, which must be posted on the department's website. The bill also mandates a review of policies and procedures related to these investigations every five years and requires quarterly reports on DDS program expenditures and service waiting lists. Notable insertions include the online posting of reports and specific language regarding the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

The bill establishes working groups to study the future use of Southbury Training School and assess the feasibility of creating an interagency complex case team for young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management is directed to apply for federal funding for a statewide autism needs assessment. House Amendment "A" modifies the original bill by removing prescriptive reporting requirements and allowing legislative committees to hold joint informational hearings rather than mandating them. The bill also eliminates previous provisions requiring the Office of Policy and Management to revisit the statutory definition of "intellectual disability" and evaluate autism services, reflecting a shift towards managing complex cases rather than revising existing definitions.

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