SB 451 — AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ADVISORY COUNCIL ON CHIMERIC ANTIGEN RECEPTOR T-CELL THERAPY AND OTHER GENE THERAPIES.
Last action — FILE NO. 566
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✓Introduced
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2In Committee
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3Passed Senate
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4Passed House
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5To Executive
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6Enacted
This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced March 05, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the Senate.
Prognosis
Where this bill stands today.
Odds of enactment
LowHow often bills like it became law.
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In Committee
Current position in the legislative process.
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1 sponsor
1 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.
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Single-party support
Sponsorship is currently within one party (1 D).
Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.
Bill Text
What changed in the latest version
183 added · 16 removedPlain-language change summary
The latest version of Senate Bill 451 reports that it has passed through the Public Health Committee and is now set to take effect on July 1, 2026. Initially referred to as "Raised Bill No. 451," the new wording clarifies its status after committee review. This change is significant because it indicates the bill has moved forward in the legislative process, which can lead to its eventual implementation and impact on public health policy.
Senate General Assembly RaisedFile Bill No.
451566 February Session, 2026 LCOSenate Bill No.
2735451 ReferredSenate, toApril 9, 2026 The Committee on PUBLICPublic HEALTHHealth Introducedreported by:through SEN.
(PH)ANWAR ANof ACTthe ESTABLISHING3rd ANDist., ADVISORYChairperson COUNCILof ONthe CHIMERICCommittee ANTIGENon RECEPTORthe T-CELLpart THERAPYof ANDthe OTHERSenate, GENEthat THERAPIES.the bill ought to pass.
AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ADVISORY COUNCIL ON CHIMERIC ANTIGEN RECEPTOR T-CELL THERAPY AND OTHER GENE THERAPIES.
The council shall advise and make recommendations to the Department of Public Health and other state agencies, as appropriate, regarding (1) the availability of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy and other gene therapies in the state for the treatment of cancer, (2) safe, equitable and financially sustainable delivery of such therapies, (3) advanced training for clinical providers of such therapies, (4) long-term follow-up and vector safety for patients receiving such therapies, (5)thedevelopment ofreferralandmanagement protocolsfor such therapies, (6) education for clinicians, patients and patients' relativesandcaregiversregardingsuchtherapiesandsuchprotocols,(7) advising patients and their relatives and caregivers regarding the cost and availability of insurance coverage for such therapies, (8) opportunitiesSB451 for/ coordinatingFile with research collaborations, LCO 2735 1 of 5 Raised Bill No.
451566 government1 agencies,SB451 including,File butNo. not limited to, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, accrediting bodies and national registries regarding such therapies, (9) the development of centers of excellence in the state for the delivery of such therapies, including, but not limited to, requiring accreditation of such centers, (10) the development of a state-wide referral network to ensure all eligible patients are matched with a center of excellence in the state, (11) the development of safety protocols to address complications experienced by patients receiving such therapies and other safety concerns, (12) methods of providing psychosocial support to patients receiving such therapies and their relatives and caregivers, and (13) methods of tracking patient outcomes with a focus on equity as it relates to diagnosis, race, ethnicity, geography and income.
566 opportunities for coordinating with research collaborations, government agencies, including, but not limited to, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, accrediting bodies and national registries regarding such therapies, (9) the development of centers of excellence in the state for the delivery of such therapies, including, but not limited to, requiring accreditation of such centers, (10) the development of a state-wide referral network to ensure all eligible patients are matched with a center of excellence in the state, (11) the development of safety protocols to address complications experienced by patients receiving such therapies and other safety concerns, (12) methods of providing psychosocial support to patients receiving such therapies and their relatives and caregivers, and (13) methods of tracking patient outcomes with a focus on equity as it relates to diagnosis, race, ethnicity, geography and income.
LCOSB451 2735/ 2File of 5 Raised Bill No.
451566 (3)2 TheSB451 CommissionerFile ofNo. Social Services, or the commissioner's designee;
566 (3) The Commissioner of Social Services, or the commissioner's designee;
(9) Four appointed by the Senate ranking member of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health, one of whom shall be a representative of an internationally recognized accreditation body for institutions providing cellular therapies, one of whom shall be a representative of an association of health carriers in the state, one of whom shall be the LCOSB451 2735/ 3File of 5 Raised Bill No.
451566 directorofa3 cellularSB451 therapyFile programinthestateNo. andoneofwhomshall be a representative of the life sciences or biotechnology industry;
566 directorofa cellular therapy programinthestate andoneofwhomshall be a representative of the life sciences or biotechnology industry;
(f) Not later than one year after the date of its first meeting, and annually thereafter, the council shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and insurance regarding its findings and recommendations, including, but not limited to, (1) the council's LCOactivities, 2735research 4findings ofand 5any Raisedrecommendations Billfor proposed SB451 / File No.
451566 activities,4 researchSB451 findingsFile andNo. any recommendations for proposed legislative changes, and (2) any potential sources of funding for the council's activities, including, but not limited to, grants, donations, sponsorships or in-kind donations.
566 legislative changes, and (2) any potential sources of funding for the council's activities, including, but not limited to, grants, donations, sponsorships or in-kind donations.
Section 1 July 1, 2026 Section 1 New section PH Joint Favorable LCOSB451 2735/ 5File ofNo. 5
566 5 SB451 File No.
566 The following Fiscal Impact Statement and Bill Analysis are prepared for the benefit of the members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and do not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.
In general, fiscal impacts are based upon a variety of informational sources, including the analyst’s professional knowledge.
Whenever applicable, agency data is consulted as part of the analysis, however final products do not necessarily reflect an assessment from any specific department.
OFA Fiscal Note State Impact:
Agency Affected Fund-Effect FY 27 $ FY 28 $ Public Health, Dept.
GF - Potential Minimal Minimal Cost Note:
GF=General Fund Municipal Impact:
None Explanation The bill establishes an advisory councilon chimericantigenreceptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and other gene therapies within the Department of Public Health (DPH) for administrative purposes only.
The bill results in a minimal potential cost to DPH beginning in FY 27, as council members may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties.
The Out Years The annualized ongoing fiscal impact identified above would continue into the future subject to inflation.
SB451 / File No.
566 6 SB451 File No.
566 OLR Bill Analysis SB 451 AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN ADVISORY COUNCIL ON CHIMERIC ANTIGEN RECEPTOR T-CELL THERAPY AND OTHER GENE THERAPIES.
SUMMARY This bill establishes a 28-member advisory council on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy and other gene therapies within the Department of Public Health (DPH) for administrative purposes only.
Under the bill, the advisory council must advise and make recommendations to DPH and other state agencies related to these therapies, such as on (1) how to deliver them in a safe, equitable, and financially sustainable way;
(2) developing related referral and management protocols;
and (3) advanced training for clinical providers who offer them.
The billauthorizesthe councilto (1)apply for andaccept grants,gifts, bequests, sponsorships, and in-kind donations from federal and interstate agencies, private firms, individuals, and foundations to carry out its responsibilities and (2) enter into a contract or agreement needed to distribute or use any received funds, services, or property according to any conditions placed on them.
Lastly, thebillrequiresthecouncilto annually report to theInsurance and Real Estate and Public Health committees on its findings and recommendations, including (1) its activities, research findings, and recommended legislative proposals and (2) potential funding sources for its activities, including grants, donations, sponsorships, or in-kind donations.
The first report is due no later than one year after the date of the council’s first meeting.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Show all 97 changed lines (57 more)
July 1, 2026 SB451 / File No.
566 7 SB451 File No.
566 ADVISORY COUNCIL Responsibilities The bill requires the council to advise and make recommendations to DPH and other state agencies on the following:
1.
the availability of CAR T-cell therapy and other gene therapies in Connecticut to treat cancer;
2.
how to deliver these therapies in a safe, equitable, and financially sustainable way;
3.
advanced training for clinical providers who offer these therapies;
4.
long-term follow-up and vector safety (mitigating unintended harm from viruses used in gene therapy) for patients receiving these therapies;
5.
developing referral and management protocols for these therapies;
6.
education on these therapies and protocols for clinicians, patients, and patients’ relatives and caregivers;
7.
advising patients and their relatives and caregivers on the cost and available insurance coverage for these therapies;
8.
opportunities to coordinate with research collaborations, government agencies (for example, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services), accrediting bodies, and national registries on these therapies;
9.
developing centers of excellence in Connecticut to deliver these therapies, including requiring centers to be accredited;
10.
developing a statewide referral network to ensure all patients are matched with a Connecticut center of excellence;
11.
developing safety protocols to address patient complications and SB451 / File No.
566 8 SB451 File No.
566 other safety concerns;
12.
ways to provide psychosocial support to patients and their relatives and caregivers;
and 13.
ways to track patient outcomes, focusing on equity related to diagnosis, race, ethnicity, geography, and income.
Functions In doing its work, the bill authorizes the advisory council to do the following:
1.
consult with experts on CAR T-cell therapy and other gene therapies to treat cancer to develop policy recommendations for improving access to these therapies in Connecticut;
2.
hold public hearings and otherwise make public inquiries and solicit public comments to help with a study or survey of people living with cancer who received these therapies, these patients’ caregivers, health care providers, and patient advocates;
and 3.
conduct research and make recommendations to DPH and other state agencies.
Membership Under the bill, the advisory council’s membership includes the following state officials, or their designees:
(1) the insurance, public health, and social services commissioners;
(2) the health information technology officer;
and (3) the chairpersons and ranking members of the Human Services and Public Health committees.
The council also includes the following 16 appointed members as shown in the table below.
Table:
Appointed Council Members Under the Bill Appointing Authority Member Qualifications Public Health Committee • One hematologist or oncologist serving adults Senate chairperson (4) • One specialist in emerging cellular and genetic therapy • One pharmacology expert SB451 / File No.
566 9 SB451 File No.
566 Appointing Authority Member Qualifications • One patient advocate for conditions treated by gene therapy Public Health Committee • One patient who received CAR T-cell therapy House chairperson (4) • One representative of a Connecticut hospital association • One pediatric hematologist or oncologist • One community health equity advocate Public Health Committee • One representative of an internationally recognized Senate ranking member (4) accreditation body for institutions providing cellular therapies • One representative of a Connecticut health carrier association • One director of a Connecticut cellular therapy program • One representative of the life sciences or biotechnology industries Public Health Committee • One representative, family member, or caregiver of House ranking member (4) someone living with cancer who received gene therapy • One advocate for cancer patients in the state • One social worker or patient navigator • One director of a transplant and cellular therapy program in the state The bill requires appointing authorities to make their initial appointments by October 31, 2026, and fill any vacancies.
Members serve three-year terms, except for those representing state agencies.
The DPH commissioner must choose the council’s acting chairperson to organize its first meeting, which must be scheduled and held by November 30, 2026.
At the first meeting, council members must appoint their chairperson and vice chairperson by a majority vote.
The bill requires the council to meet at least quarterly, either in person or remotely, as the chairperson determines.
Under the bill, members are not compensated, but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties.
BACKGROUND CAR T-cell therapy CAR T-cell therapy is an individualized immunotherapy that SB451 / File No.
566 10 SB451 File No.
566 genetically changes a person’s own T-cells to recognize and fight cancer cells that is often used to treat blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.
COMMITTEE ACTION Public Health Committee Joint Favorable Yea 27 Nay 5 (03/23/2026) SB451 / File No.
566 11
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Action History
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FILE NO. 566
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SENATE CALENDAR NUMBER 332
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FAV. RPT., TAB. FOR CAL., SEN.
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RPTD. OUT OF LCO
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REFERRED TO Office of Legislative Research AND Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/08/26
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FILED WITH LCO
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Joint Favorable
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PUBLIC HEARING 0313
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REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
Sponsors
- Martha Marx · Primary
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 186 not signed on
Sponsors (1)
- Martha Marx Democratic
Co-sponsors (0)
None.
Not signed on (186)
186 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 186 →"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- Who sponsors SB 451?
- SB 451 is sponsored by Martha Marx (Democratic).
- What is the current status of SB 451?
- This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced March 05, 2026. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
- Where can I track SB 451?
- Track SB 451 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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