The Substitute House Bill No. 5517 (sHB5517) seeks to modernize and enhance Connecticut's mental health and addiction statutes by replacing outdated terminology and improving the overall framework for addressing these issues. A significant aspect of the bill is the replacement of terms such as "substance abuse" with "substance use," "detoxification" with "withdrawal management," and "substance abuse counselor" with "alcohol and drug counselor." These changes aim to promote a more supportive and recovery-friendly approach to individuals seeking help for mental health and addiction challenges. The bill also mandates that the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection coordinate with the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services when deploying behavioral health professionals after mass shootings, ensuring timely support for affected communities.

In addition to the language updates, the bill introduces several structural changes, including the modification of advisory board requirements for facilities operated by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. It exempts certain advisory councils from maintaining specific member requirements, streamlining the governance of these boards. The bill also repeals the statutory provision for catchment area councils, as their functions are now fulfilled by Regional Behavioral Health Action Organizations. Overall, sHB5517 aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding mental health and addiction services in Connecticut, with an effective date set for October 1, 2026, while ensuring that the changes do not impose any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 4-67s, 10-19b, 18-69b, 18-100f, 20-74ss, 20-162cc, 20-185m, 20-195ee, 20-195tt, 20-195kkk, 20-195qqq, 20-206nn, 51-181b
PH Joint Favorable Substitute: 4-67s, 10-19b, 18-69b, 18-100f, 20-74ss, 20-162cc, 20-185m, 20-195ee, 20-195tt, 20-195kkk, 20-195qqq, 20-206nn, 51-181b
File No. 529: 4-67s, 10-19b, 18-69b, 18-100f, 20-74ss, 20-162cc, 20-185m, 20-195ee, 20-195tt, 20-195kkk, 20-195qqq, 20-206nn, 51-181b