Substitute Senate Bill No. 6 aims to enhance support for children and families in Connecticut through several key provisions. Effective July 1, 2026, the bill introduces a refundable personal income tax credit of up to $600 per dependent child for eligible taxpayers, with a phase-out based on income, resulting in an estimated annual revenue loss of approximately $316 million for the General Fund starting in FY 27. Additionally, it mandates that eligible school districts provide free breakfasts and lunches to all students, with a one-time cost of about $12.5 million to the State Department of Education for FY 27. The bill also updates the terminology from "Preschool through Twenty and Workforce Information Network" to "Data Link Connecticut," establishing a new integrated data system for state agencies to improve data sharing and inform education and workforce development policies.

Furthermore, the bill imposes restrictions on individuals convicted of certain crimes against children, prohibiting them from residing with minor children unless they are the biological or adoptive parents. It requires the Department of Correction to notify the Department of Children and Families of the residential addresses of released individuals convicted of specified offenses, ensuring protective measures for children under supervision or receiving services. The bill also modifies the reporting frequency on disconnected youth from annually to biennially, with the first report due by July 1, 2027. Overall, the bill seeks to improve child welfare, enhance food security for students, and strengthen data management across state agencies.