Substitute Senate Bill No. 1530 proposes significant amendments to Connecticut laws concerning reproductive and gender-affirming health care services. The bill modifies Section 4-38j to require the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and department heads to report on reorganization progress to the General Assembly upon request, eliminating the previous requirement for them to appear before the committee. It expands the definition of "reproductive health care services" to include fertility services and introduces a new definition for "gender-affirming health care services." Additionally, the bill enhances confidentiality protections by specifying that patient information cannot be disclosed without written consent, except in certain legal circumstances, and mandates reporting to the Attorney General for any requests lacking consent.

Moreover, the bill prohibits the denial of licenses or disciplinary actions against health care providers based solely on their involvement in providing reproductive or gender-affirming health care services, regardless of the patient's residency status. It also clarifies that medical records related to these services cannot be subpoenaed, thereby strengthening confidentiality. The bill includes provisions to protect health care providers from liability for offering these services, as long as they comply with state laws, and it ensures that no public agency may assist in interstate investigations concerning these services unless mandated by a court order. The changes are set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aim to bolster legal protections for both providers and recipients of reproductive and gender-affirming health care in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 4-38j, 52-571m, 52-146w, 20-579a, 52-155a, 54-155a
GAE Joint Favorable: 4-38j, 52-571m, 52-146w, 20-579a, 52-155a, 54-155a
File No. 661: 4-38j, 52-571m, 52-146w, 20-579a, 52-155a, 54-155a