Substitute House Bill No. 5495 seeks to amend the procedures for reviewing decisions made by the Connecticut State Employees Retirement Commission and the Medical Examining Board concerning disability retirement allowances. The bill repeals the existing prohibition on reconsideration of eligibility decisions, requiring the board to conduct a hearing and provide a written decision with reasons before making determinations. Members who are dissatisfied with these decisions will have the right to appeal to the Superior Court, as specified in chapter 54 of the general statutes. However, these changes will only take effect once the State Employees' Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) provides written consent to include them in its collective bargaining agreement.

Additionally, the bill introduces modifications to the appeal process, allowing for appeals of preliminary or procedural agency actions under certain conditions. It clarifies the court's authority in appeals by inserting language that specifies the court will review decisions "de novo," treating them as new cases rather than limited reviews. The bill also allows for the taxation of costs in favor of the prevailing party and provides for the waiver of appeal costs for individuals who cannot afford them. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2026, with the overall aim of enhancing transparency and the rights of state employees regarding disability pension appeals.