The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 124, aims to update the role and responsibilities of municipal agents for aging within Connecticut municipalities. The bill replaces the term "elderly persons" with "older adults" throughout the statute, reflecting a more contemporary understanding of aging. It stipulates that municipal agents must be appointed by the chief elected official or chief executive officer of each municipality and can be staff members of senior centers, members of agencies serving older adults, or responsible residents with an interest in aging. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement that municipal agents must not have any conflicts of interest that could affect their ability to provide unbiased assistance. Municipalities are also allowed to jointly appoint agents, provided they enter into a memorandum of agreement regarding shared expenses.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the duties of municipal agents, which include disseminating information about community resources, assisting older adults in applying for benefits, and reporting needs and recommendations to local officials and the Department of Aging and Disability Services. It mandates that municipal agents certify in writing their lack of conflicts of interest at the time of their appointment or reappointment, and they must report any conflicts that arise during their term. The Department of Aging and Disability Services is tasked with creating a directory of municipal agents and providing guidelines and training to support their work. The act is set to take effect upon passage, with specific provisions regarding the certification of conflicts of interest becoming effective on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-127b