Substitute House Bill No. 5447 seeks to enhance services for children with eating disorders and improve food education in schools, following recommendations from the Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee. The bill mandates the executive director of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity to establish two working groups by July 1, 2026. One group will compile information on eating disorder treatment providers and develop best practice guidelines, while the other will create a state-wide food education roadmap and model school nutrition curriculum. Additionally, the bill requires annual progress reports on these initiatives.

The bill also amends Section 17b-112 of the general statutes to increase the monthly cash benefit for Temporary Family Assistance (TFA) recipients to no less than 55% of the federal poverty level, a significant change from the current 73% of the standard of need, which is expected to cost at least $20 million to the Department of Social Services. Furthermore, it includes a provision for the Commissioner of Children and Families to study the feasibility of establishing an inpatient facility for youth with intellectual or developmental disabilities requiring psychiatric treatment, with findings due by January 1, 2027. The working groups will report their findings to relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2028, and the bill is effective upon passage.