Substitute Senate Bill No. 1530 proposes significant amendments to Connecticut's laws concerning reproductive and gender-affirming health care services, focusing on enhancing protections for both providers and patients. The bill requires the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and department heads to report on reorganization progress to the General Assembly upon request. It expands the definition of reproductive health care services to include "fertility" and introduces a new definition for "gender-affirming health care services." Additionally, it clarifies that individuals can seek damages in Connecticut regardless of their location when receiving these services, and it prohibits the Department of Public Health from denying licenses based solely on disciplinary actions from other states related to these services.

The bill also strengthens confidentiality protections by ensuring that patient information cannot be disclosed without explicit written consent, except in specific circumstances, and mandates reporting to the Attorney General for any unauthorized requests. It prohibits subpoenas related to reproductive and gender-affirming health care services unless they pertain to specific out-of-state actions that align with Connecticut law. Furthermore, it consolidates legal protections for health care providers, ensuring they cannot face adverse actions from institutions based on their provision of these services, even if rendered outside their employment scope. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025, aiming to safeguard individuals seeking reproductive and gender-affirming health care from potential legal repercussions and discrimination.

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