General Assembly Bill No. 8004 aims to enhance children's behavioral health services in Connecticut by establishing the Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee. This committee is tasked with conducting a comprehensive study on existing behavioral health services for children, analyzing utilization rates, outreach strategies, and financial resource allocation, with a report due by January 1, 2027. The bill also introduces new reimbursement models and value-based payment systems for behavioral health services, particularly for children, and mandates a review of the Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS) program. Additionally, it amends the definition of behavioral therapy for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, expanding eligibility from "children less than twenty-one" to "individuals under twenty-six years of age," and requires that therapies be provided or supervised by licensed professionals.

The bill further establishes an advisory committee to guide the delivery of applied behavior analysis services, particularly for Medicaid-enrolled children, and mandates a report by January 1, 2027. It also revises eligibility criteria for family assistance programs, allowing families with self-employment income to apply a standard deduction and setting a new asset limit. The bill includes provisions regarding the detention of individuals on courthouse grounds, stipulating conditions under which judicial marshals may detain or arrest individuals, and prohibits law enforcement from wearing masks that obscure their identity. Additionally, it updates the state's voter registration and redistricting processes, requiring timely updates to the state-wide centralized voter registration system and outlining procedures for correcting errors in redistricting plans. The bill incorporates various amendments to existing laws and establishes new regulations, with certain provisions taking effect upon passage or by January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
New Bill: 9-50b