SB 2 — AN ACT CONCERNING SOCIAL EQUITY AND THE HEALTH, SAFETY AND EDUCATION OF CHILDREN.

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2 accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, concerning the regulation of nurse's aides.

Not less than twenty-five of such hours shall include, but not be limited to, specialized training in understanding and responding to challenging behaviors related to physical,psychiatric,psychosocialandcognitivedisorders.Onandafter January 1, 2022, not less than two of such hours shall include (1) screening for conditions such as (1) post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression andandgrief,and(2) grief,suicide andpreventiontraining (2)offeredor suicideapprovedbythe preventionAmerican trainingNurses fromAssociation, trainingConnecticut Hospital Association, Connecticut Nurses Association or educationConnecticut providersLeague approvedfor byNursing, thea commissioner.specialty nursing society or equivalent organization in another jurisdiction, a hospital or other health care institution, a regionally accredited academic institution, or a state or local health department.

The requirement described in subdivision (2) of this section may be satisfied by the completion of the evidence-based youth suicide prevention training program administered pursuant to section 1 of this act.

LCO(b) {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0006A oflicense 38issued R03-SB.docxunder }this Substitutesection Billmay No.be renewed annually.

2 (b) A license issued under this section may be renewed annually.

Each behavior analyst applying for license renewal shall furnish evidence satisfactory to thecommissioner of (1) having current certification with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and (2) on and after January 1, 2022, completing not less than two hours of training or education, approved by the Commissioner of Public Health,Act onNo. (A) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief,and(B) suicidepreventiontraining during thefirst renewalperiod and not less than once every six years thereafter.

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2 completing not less than two hours of training or education, offered or approved by the Connecticut Association for Behavior Analysis, a hospital or other licensed health care institution or a regionally accredited institution of higher education, on (A) screening for post- traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and (B) suicide prevention training, during the first renewal period and not less than once every six years thereafter.

The requirement described in subparagraph (B) of this subdivision may be satisfied by the completion of the evidence-based youth suicide prevention training program administered pursuant to section 1 of this act.

Each certified community health worker applying for license renewal shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner of having completed a minimum of thirty hours of continuing education requirements, including two hours focused on cultural competency, systemic racism or systemic oppression, [and] two hours focused on social determinants of health and on and after January 1, 2022, two hours of training on (1) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and (2) suicide preventionprevention, training, provided by the Community Health Worker Advisory Body or training or education providers approved by the CommissionerCommunity ofHealth PublicWorker Health.Advisory Body.

The requirement described in subdivision (2) of this subsection may be satisfied by the completion of the evidence-based youth suicide prevention training program administered pursuant to section 1 of this act.

SubsectionsSection (d) and (e) of section 20-206mm of the general statutes areis repealed and the followingPublic isAct substitutedNo. in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):

(d)21-46 On8 or after January 1, 2020, each person seeking certification as an emergency medical responder, emergency medical technician or LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0007 of 3843 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 advancedfollowing emergencyis medicalsubstituted technicianin shalllieu applythereof to(Effective theJuly department1, on2021): forms prescribed by the commissioner.

(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, an applicant for a license as a paramedic shall submit evidence satisfactory to theCommissioner ofPublic Healththat the applicant hassuccessfully (1) completed a paramedic training program approved by the commissioner, (2) for applicants applying on and after January 1, 2020, completed mentalhealthfirst aidtraining aspart ofaprogramprovided by an instructor certified by the National Council for Behavioral Health, and (3) passed an examination prescribed by the commissioner.

(b) An applicant for licensure by endorsement shall present evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant (1) is licensed or certified as a paramedic in another state or jurisdiction whose requirements for practicing in such capacity are substantially similar to or higher than those of this state and that the applicant has no pending disciplinary action or unresolved complaint against him or her, or (2) (A) is currently licensed or certified as a paramedic in good standing in any New England state, New York or New Jersey, (B) has completed an initial training program consistent with the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards, as promulgated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the paramedic scope of practice model conducted by an organization offering a program that is recognized by the national emergency medical services program accrediting organization, (C) for applicants applying on or after January 1, 2020, has completed mental health first aid training as part of a program provided by an instructor certified by the National Council for Behavioral Health, and (D) has no pending disciplinary action or unresolved complaint against him or her.

(c) Any person who is certified as an emergency medical technician- paramedic by the Department of Public Health on October 1, 1997, shall be deemed a licensed paramedic.

Any personso deemed shall renewhis license pursuant to section 19a-88 for a fee of one hundred fifty-five Public Act No.

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2 dollars.

(d) On or after January 1, 2020, each person seeking certification as an emergency medical responder, emergency medical technician or advanced emergency medical technician shall apply to the department on forms prescribed by the commissioner.

(1) For initial certification, an applicant shall present evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant (A) has completed an initial training program consistent with the National Emergency Medical Services Education Standards, as promulgated by the National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministrationfortheemergencymedicalresponder,emergency medical technician or advanced emergency medical technician curriculum, (B) has passed the examination administered by the national organization for emergency medical certification for an emergency medical responder, emergency medical technician or advanced emergency medical technician as necessary for the type of certification sought by the applicant or an examination approved by the department, and (C) has no pending disciplinary action or unresolved complaints against such applicant, (2) a certificate issued under this subsection shall be renewed once every two years in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-88 upon presentation of evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant (A) has successfully completed continuing education for an emergency medical responder, emergency medical technician or advanced emergency medical technician as required by the national organization for emergency medical certification or as approved by the department, (B) on and after January 1, 2022, has completed not less than two hours of training or education,(B) approved by the Commissioner of Public Health, on (i) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide,depressionandgrief,and(ii)suicide preventiontraining during thefirst renewalperiodandnot lessthan once every six yearsthereafter, or [(B)] (C) presents a current certification as an emergency medical responder, emergency medical technician or advanced emergency medical technician from the national organization for emergency medical certification, or (3) for certification by endorsement from another state, an applicant shall present evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant (A) is currently certified as an emergency medical responder, emergency medicalPublic technicianAct or LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0008 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

221-46 advancedemergencymedicaltechnicianingoodstandingbyastate10 thatof maintains43 certificationSubstitute orSenate licensingBill requirementsNo. that the commissioner determines are equal to or greater than those in this state, or (B) holds a current certification as an emergency medical responder, emergency medical technician or advanced emergency medical technician from the national organization for emergency medical certification.

(e)2 Onmedical technician or afteradvanced Januaryemergency 1,medical 2020,technician eachin persongood seekingstanding by a state that maintains certificationor licensing requirements that the commissioner determines are equal to or greater than those in this state, or (B) holds a current certification as an emergency medical servicesresponder, instructoremergency shallmedical applytechnician toor theadvanced departmentemergency onmedical formstechnician prescribedfrom by the commissioner.national organization for emergency medical certification.

Applicants(e) forOn or after January 1, 2022, each person seeking renewal of a certification as an emergency medical responder or emergency medical technician under subdivision (2) of subsection (d) of this section, shall complypresent withevidence satisfactory to the followingcommissioner requirements:that such person has, in the previous six year period, completed (1) the evidence-based youth suicide prevention training program administered pursuant to section 1 of this act, or (2) not less than two hours of training or education, approved by the Commissioner of Public Health, on (A) screening for post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and (B) suicide prevention.

(1)[(e)] For(f) initialOn certification, an applicant shall present evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant (A) is currently certified by the department as an emergency medical technician or advancedafter emergencyJanuary medical1, technician2020, oreach licensedperson byseeking thecertification department as a paramedic, (B) has completed a program of training as an emergency medical instructor based on current national education standards within the prior two years, (C) has completed twenty-five hours of teaching activity under the supervision of a currently certified emergency medical services instructor,instructor (D)shall hasapply completedto written and practical examinations as prescribed by the commissioner,department (E) has no pending disciplinary action or unresolved complaints against the applicant, and (F) effective on aforms date prescribed by the commissioner,commissioner. presents documentation satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant is currently certified as an emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician or paramedic by the national organization for emergency medical certification, or (2) for renewal certification, an applicant shall present evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant (A) has successfully completed continuing education and teaching activity asrequired by thedepartment,which,onand after January 1,2022,shall include not less than two hours of training or education, approved by the Commissioner of Public Health, on (i) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and (ii) suicide prevention training, during the first renewal period and not less than once every six years thereafter, (B) maintains current LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0009 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

2Applicants certificationfor certificationshallcomply withthefollowingrequirements:(1)For initial certification, an applicant shall present evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant (A) is currently certified by the department as an emergency medical technician,technician or advanced emergency medical technician or licensurelicensed by the department as a paramedic, and(B) (C)has effectivecompleted on a dateprogram of training as prescribedan byemergency themedical commissioner,instructor presentsbased documentationon satisfactorycurrent tonational education standards within the commissionerprior thattwo years, (C) has completed twenty-five hours of teaching activity under the applicantsupervision isof a currently certified as an emergency medical technician,services advancedinstructor, emergency(D) medicalhas techniciancompleted orwritten paramedicand practical examinations as prescribed by the nationalcommissioner, organization(E) forhas emergencyno medicalPublic certification.Act No.

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2 pending disciplinary action or unresolved complaints against the applicant, and (F) effective on a date prescribed by the commissioner, presents documentation satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant is currently certified as an emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician or paramedic by the national organization for emergency medical certification, or (2) for renewal certification, an applicant shall present evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant (A) has successfully completed continuing education and teaching activity as required by the department, which, on and after January 1, 2022, shall include not less thantwo hoursoftraining or education,approvedby the Commissioner of Public Health, on (i) screening for post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and (ii) suicide prevention training, during the first renewal period and not less than once every six years thereafter, (B) maintains current certification by the department as an emergency medicaltechnician,advancedemergency medicaltechnician or licensure by the department as a paramedic, and (C) effective on a date as prescribed by the commissioner, presents documentation satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant is currently certified as an emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician or paramedic by the national organization for emergency medical certification.

[(f)](g)Acertifiedemergencymedicalresponder,emergencymedical technician, advanced emergency medical technician or emergency medical services instructor shall document the completion of his or her continuing educational requirements through the continuing education platform Internet web site.

A certified emergency medical responder, emergency medicaltechnician,advancedemergency medicaltechnician or emergency medical services instructor who is not engaged in active professional practice in any form during a certification period shall be exempt from the continuing education requirements of this section, provided the emergency medical responder, emergency medical Public Act No.

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2 technician, advanced emergency medical technician or emergency medical services instructor submits to the department, prior to the expiration of the certification period, an application for inactive status on a form prescribed by the department and such other documentation as may be required by the department.

The application for inactive status pursuant to this subsection shall contain a statement that the emergency medical responder, emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician or emergency medical services instructor may not engage in professional practice until the continuing education requirements of this section have been met.

[(g)] (h) The commissioner may issue a temporary emergency medical technician certificate to an applicant who presents evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that (1) the applicant was certified by the department as an emergency medical technician prior to becoming licensed as a paramedic pursuant to section 20-206ll, or (2) the applicant's certification as an emergency medical technician has expired and the applicant's license as a paramedic has become void pursuant to section 19a-88.

Such temporary certificate shall be valid for a period not to exceed one year and shall not be renewable.

[(h)] (i) An applicant who is issued a temporary emergency medical technician certificate pursuant to subsection [(g)] (h) of this section may, prior to the expiration of such temporary certificate, apply to the department for:

(1) Renewal of such person's paramedic license, giving suchperson'snameinfull,suchperson'sresidenceandbusinessaddress and such other information as the department requests, provided the application for license renewal is accompanied by evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that the applicant was under the medical oversight of a sponsor hospital, as those terms are defined in section 19a-175, on the date the applicant's paramedic license became void for nonrenewal;

or (2) recertification as an emergency medical technician, provided the application for recertification is accompanied by evidence satisfactory Public Act No.

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2 to the commissioner that the applicant completed emergency medical technician refresher training approved by the commissioner not later than one year after issuance of the temporary emergency medical technician certificate.

The department shall recertify such person as an emergency medical technician without the examination required for initialcertificationspecifiedinregulationsadoptedbythecommissioner pursuant to section 20-206oo.

[(i)] (j) Any person certified as an emergency medical responder, emergency medicaltechnician,advancedemergency medicaltechnician or emergency medical services instructor pursuant to this chapter and the regulations adopted pursuant to section 20-206oo whose certification has expired may apply to the Department of Public Health for reinstatement of such certification, provided such person completes the requirements for renewal certification specified in this section.

Any certificate issued pursuant to this section shall remain valid for ninety days after the expiration date of such certificate and become void upon the expiration of such ninety-day period.

[(j)] (k) The Commissioner of Public Health shall issue an emergency medical technician certification to an applicant who is a member of the armed forces or the National Guard or a veteran and who (1) presents evidence satisfactory to the commissioner that such applicant holds a current certification as a person entitled to perform similar services under a different designation by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians, or (2) satisfies the regulations promulgated pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of section 19a-179.

Such applicant shall be exempt from any written or practical examination requirement for certification.

[(k)] (l) For the purposes of this section, "veteran" means any person who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable from active service in the armed forces and "armed forces" has the same meaning as provided in section 27-103.

Public Act No.

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2 Sec.

The provider of such treatment shall document the reasonsforanydeterminationmadetotreataminorwithouttheconsent or notification of a parent or guardian and shall include such LCOdocumentation {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0010in ofthe 38minor's R03-SB.docxclinical }record, Substitutealong Billwith No.a written statement signed by the minor stating that (A) [he] the minor is voluntarily seeking such treatment;

2 documentation in the minor's clinical record, along with a written statement signed by the minor stating that (A) [he] the minor is voluntarily seeking such treatment;

(C) [he] the minor has determined it is not in his or her best interest to involve his or her parentPublic orAct guardianNo. in such decision;

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2 parent or guardian in such decision;

(2) A provider may notify a parent or guardian of treatment provided pursuant to this section or disclose certain information concerning such treatment without theconsent of the minor who receives such treatment provided (A) such provider determines such notification or disclosure isnecessary for theminor'swell-being, (B) the treatment providedto the LCOminor {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-00011is ofsolely 38for R03-SB.docxmental }health Substituteand Billnot No.for a substance use disorder, and (C) the minor is provided an opportunity to express any objection to such notification or disclosure.

2The minorprovider isshall solelydocument forhis mentalor healthher anddetermination notconcerning forsuch anotification substanceor usedisclosure disorder, and (C) the minor is provided an opportunity to express any objectionPublic toAct suchNo. notification or disclosure.

The21-46 provider16 shallof document43 hisSubstitute orSenate herBill determinationNo. concerning such notification or disclosure and any objections expressed by the minor in the minor's clinical record.

2 objections expressed by the minor in the minor's clinical record.

Such program of professional development shall (1) be a comprehensive, sustained and intensive approach to improving teacher and administrator effectiveness in increasing student knowledge achievement, (2) focus on refining and improving various effective teaching methods that are shared between and among educators, (3) foster collective responsibility for improved LCOstudent {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-00012performance, (4) be comprised of 38professional R03-SB.docxlearning }that Substitute(A) Billis aligned with rigorous state student academic achievement standards, Public Act No.

221-46 student17 performance, (4) be comprised of professional43 learningSubstitute thatSenate (A)Bill isNo. aligned with rigorous state student academic achievement standards, (B) is conducted among educators at the school and facilitated by principals, coaches, mentors, distinguished educators, as described in section 10-145s, or other appropriate teachers, (C) occurs frequently on an individual basis or among groups of teachers in a job-embedded process of continuous improvement, and (D) includes a repository of best practices for teaching methods developed by educators within each school that is continuously available to such educators for comment and updating, and (5) include training in culturally responsive pedagogy and practice.

2 (B) is conducted among educators at the school and facilitated by principals, coaches, mentors, distinguished educators, as described in section 10-145s, or other appropriate teachers, (C) occurs frequently on an individual basis or among groups of teachers in a job-embedded process of continuous improvement, and (D) includes a repository of best practices for teaching methods developed by educators within each school that is continuously available to such educators for comment and updating, and (5) include training in culturally responsive pedagogy and practice.

The duties of such committees shall include, but not be limited to, participation in the development or adoption of a teacher evaluation and support program for the district, pursuant to section 10- 151b, and the development, evaluation and annual updating of a LCOPublic {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0013Act of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

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The statement of goals shall be consistent with state-wide goals pursuant to subsection (c) of section 10-4 and include goals for the integration of principles and practices of social-emotional learning in the program of professional development for the school district, in accordance with the provisions of section 10-148a, as amended by this act, and career placementPublic forAct studentsNo. who do not pursue an advanced degree immediately after graduation.

Each21-46 local19 or regional board of education43 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0014 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 shallplacement annually establish student objectives for thestudents schoolwho yeardo whichnot relatepursue directlyan toadvanced thedegree statementimmediately ofafter educationalgraduation. goals prepared pursuant to this subsection and which identify specific expectations for students in terms of skills, knowledge and competence.

Each local or regional board of education shall annually establish student objectives for the school year which relate directly to the statement of educational goals prepared pursuant to this subsection and which identify specific expectations for students in terms of skills, knowledge and competence.

(a) As used in this section, "virtual learning" means instruction by means of one or more Internet-based software platforms as part of aan in-person or remote learning model.

Said boards may charge pupils for such damaged or lost textbooks, library materials or other educational materialsPublic andAct mayNo. withhold grades, transcripts or report cards until the pupil pays for or returns the textbook, library book or other educational material.

[(d)Not21-46 later20 thanJuly 1,1991,each](e)Eachlocalandregionalboard LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0015 of 3843 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 ofmaterials educationand shallmay develop,withhold adoptgrades, andtranscripts implementor policiesreport andcards proceduresuntil inthe conformitypupil withpays section 10-154a for (1)or dealingreturns with the use,textbook, salelibrary orbook possession of alcohol or controlledother drugs,educational asmaterial. defined in subdivision (8) of section 21a-240, by public school students on school property, including a process for coordination with, and referral of such students to, appropriate agencies, and (2) cooperating with law enforcement officials.

[(d)Not later thanJuly 1,1991,each](e)Each localandregionalboard of education shall develop, adopt and implement policies and procedures in conformity with section 10-154a for (1) dealing with the use, sale or possession of alcohol or controlled drugs, as defined in subdivision (8) of section 21a-240, by public school students on school property, including a process for coordination with, and referral of such students to, appropriate agencies, and (2) cooperating with law enforcement officials.

(2)Public ForAct the school year commencing July 1, 2021, and each school year thereafter, the policies and procedures described in subdivision (1) of this subsection shall require the district to (A) offer parents the option ofattending any parent-teacher conference by telephonic,video orother conferencing platform, (B) conduct one parent-teacher conference, in additionto thoserequiredpursuant to subdivision(1)of this subsection, during periods when such district provides virtual learning for more LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0016 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

221-46 than21 three consecutive weeks, and one additional parent-teacher conference every six months thereafter for the duration of such43 periodSubstitute ofSenate virtualBill learning,No. and (C) request from each student's parent the name and contact information of an emergency contact person who may be contacted if the student's parent cannot be reached to schedule a parent- teacher conference required pursuant to subparagraph (B) of this subdivision.

(3)2 On(2) andFor afterthe Januaryschool year commencing July 1, 2022,2021, suchand each school year thereafter, the policies and procedures described in subdivision (1) of this subsection shall require the district to (A) aoffer teacherparents conductingthe aoption ofattending any parent-teacher conference requiredby pursuanttelephonic,video toorother subparagraphconferencing platform, (B) ofconduct subdivisionone (2)parent-teacher ofconference, thisin subsectionadditionto thoserequired pursuant to provideasubdivision(1)of copythis ofthesubsection, documentduring developedperiods pursuantwhen tosuch sectiondistrict 15ofprovides thisvirtual actlearning tofor themore parentthan priorthree toconsecutive theweeks, and one additional parent-teacher conference,conference andevery (B)six ifmonths athereafter teacherfor isthe unableduration toof makesuch contactperiod withof avirtual student'slearning, parentand in(C) orderrequest tofrom scheduleeach astudent's parent-teacherparent conferencethe requiredname pursuantand tocontact subparagraph(B)ofsubdivision(2)ofthissubsectionafterinformation makingof threean attempts,emergency suchcontact teacherperson shallwho reportmay suchbe inabilitycontacted toif the schoolstudent's principal,parent schoolcannot counselorbe orreached otherto schoolschedule administratora designatedparent- byteacher theconference localrequired orpursuant regionalto boardsubparagraph (B) of education.this subdivision.

Such(3) principal,On counselorand orafter administratorshallcontactanyemergencycontactpersondesignatedbyJanuary the1, student's2022, parentsuch policies and procedures shall require (A) a teacher conducting a parent-teacher conference required pursuant to subparagraph (C)(B) of subdivision (2) of this subsection to ascertainprovidea suchcopy student'sof andthe family'sdocument healthdeveloped pursuant to section 15of this act to the parent prior to the parent-teacher conference, and safety.(B) if a teacher is unable to make contact with a student's parent in order to schedule a parent-teacher conference required pursuant to subparagraph(B)ofsubdivision(2)ofthissubsectionafter making three attempts, such teacher shall report such inability to the school principal, school counselor or other school administrator designated by the local or regional board of education.

Such principal, counselor or administratorshallcontactanyemergencycontactpersondesignatedby the student's parent pursuant to subparagraph (C) of subdivision (2) of this subsection to ascertain such student and family's health and safety.

(NEW) (Effective from passage) Not later than December 1, 2021, the Department of Education shall develop, and annually update, a document for use by local and regional boards of education that providesPublic informationAct concerningNo. educational, safety, mental health and food insecurity resources and programs available for students and their families.

Such21-46 document22 shall contain, but need not be limited to, (1) providers of such43 resources and programs, including, but not limited to, the Departments of Education, Children and Families and Mental Health andAddictionServices,theUnitedWay ofConnecticut andlocal food banks, (2) descriptions of the relevant resources and programs offered by each provider, including, but not limited to, (A) the "Talk it LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0017 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 Out"provides programinformation administeredconcerning byeducational, thesafety, Departmentmental ofhealth Children and Families,food andinsecurity (B)resources anyand programprograms thatavailable provides laptop computers, public Internet access or home Internet service to students, (3) contact information for eachstudents provider, resource and program,their andfamilies. (4) relevant Internet web sites.

Such document shall contain, but need not be limited to, (1) providers of such resources and programs, including, but not limited to, the Departments of Education, Children and Families and Mental Health andAddictionServices,theUnitedWay ofConnecticut andlocal food banks, (2) descriptions of the relevant resources and programs offeredbyeachprovider,including,butnotlimitedto,anyprogramthat provides laptop computers, public Internet access or home Internet service to students, (3) contact information for each provider, resource and program, and (4) relevant Internet web sites.

(NEW) (Effective from passage) (a) As used in this section, "virtual learning" means instruction by means of one or more Internet- based software platforms as part of aan in-person or remote learning model.

(c) For the school year commencing July 1, 2022, and each school year thereafter, a local or regional board of education may authorize virtual learning forto students in grades nine to twelve, inclusive, provided such board (1) provides such instruction in compliance with the standards developed pursuant to subsection (b) of this section, and (2) adopts a policy regarding therequirements for student attendance during virtual learning, which shall (A) be in compliance with the Department of Education's guidance on student attendance during virtual learning, and (B) count the attendance of any student who spends not less than one-half of the school day during such instruction engaged in (i) virtual classes,Public (ii)Act virtualNo. meetings, (iii) activities on time-logged electronic systems, and (iv) the completion and submission of assignments.

21-46 23 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 classes, (ii) virtual meetings, (iii) activities on time-logged electronic systems, and (iv) the completion and submission of assignments.

Each school district shall provide in each school year no less than one hundred and eighty days of actual school sessions for grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, nine hundred hours of actual school LCOwork {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0018for full-day kindergarten and grades one to twelve, inclusive, and four hundred and fifty hours of 38half-day R03-SB.docxkindergarten, }provided Substituteschool Billdistricts No.shall not count more than seven hours of actual school work in any school day towards the total required for the school year.

2Virtual worklearning forshall full-daybeconsideredanactual kindergartenschool andsession gradesfor onepurposesof tothis twelve,section, inclusive,provided andsuch fourvirtual hundredlearning andis fiftyconducted hoursin ofcompliance half-daywith kindergarten,the providedstandards schooldeveloped districtspursuant shallto notsubsection count(b) moreof thansection seven16 hours of actualthis schoolact. work in any school day towards the total required for the school year.

VirtualIf learningweather shallconditions beconsideredanactualresult schoolin sessionan forearly purposesofdismissal thisor section,a provided,delayed that,opening onof andschool, aftera Januaryschool 1,district 2022,which suchmaintains virtualseparate learningmorning isand conductedafternoon inhalf-day compliancekindergarten withsessions themay standardsprovide developedeither pursuanta tomorning subsectionor (b)afternoon ofhalf-day sectionkindergarten 16session ofon thissuch act.day.

IfAs weatherused conditions result in anthis earlysection, dismissal"virtual orlearning" ameans delayedinstruction openingby means of school,one aor schoolmore districtInternet-based whichsoftware maintainsplatforms separateas morningpart andof afternoonan half-dayin-person kindergarten sessions may provide either a morning or afternoonremote half-learning daymodel. kindergarten session on such day.

As used in this section, "virtual learning" means instruction by means of one or more Internet-based software platforms as part of a remote learning model.

[On or before July 1, 2012, the] The State Board of Education shall define "excused absence", [and] "unexcused absence" [, and on or before January 1, 2016, the State Board of Education shall define] and "disciplinary absence" for use by local and regional boards of education for the purposes of carrying out the provisions of section 10-198a, reporting truancy, pursuant to subsection (c) of section 10-220, and calculating the district chronic absenteeism rate and the school chronic absenteeismPublic rateAct pursuantNo. to section 10-198c.

On21-46 or24 before July 1, 2021, the State Board of Education43 shallSubstitute amendSenate theBill definitionsNo. of "excused absence" and "unexcused absence" to exclude a student's (1) (A) engagement in virtual classes, (B) virtual meetings, (C) activities on time-logged electronic systems, and (D) completion and submission of assignments, if such engagement accounts for not less than one-half of the school day during virtual learning authorized pursuant to section 16 of this act, and (2) absence resulting from such student taking a mental health wellness day permitted pursuant to section 19 of this act.

As2 usedabsenteeism inrate thispursuant section,to "virtualsection learning"10-198c. means instruction by means of one or LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0019 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

2On moreor Internet-basedbefore softwareJuly platforms1, as2021, partthe State Board of Education shall amend the definitions of "excused absence" and "unexcused absence" to exclude a remotestudent's engagement in (1) virtual classes, (2) virtual meetings, (3) activities on time-logged electronic systems, and (4) the completion and submission of assignments, if such engagement accounts for not less than one-half of the school day during virtual learning model.authorized pursuant to section 16 of this act.

As used in this section, "virtual learning" means instruction by means of one or more Internet-based software platforms as part of an in-person or remote learning model.

(b) For the school year commencing July 1, 2021, and each school year thereafter, a local or regional board of education shall permit any student enrolled in grades kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, to take uptwo to four mental health wellness days during the school year, during whichdaywhich day such student shallnot berequiredto attendschool.A student shall not be required to presentattend documentationschool. or parental or guardian consent to take a mental health wellness day, but, for purposes of the school year limitation on such days pursuant to this subsection, shall identify his or her absence as a mental health wellness day.

No student shall take mental health wellness days during consecutive school days.

Charges for such lunches, breakfasts or other such feeding may be fixed by such boards and shall not exceed the costPublic ofAct food,No. wages and other expenses directly incurred in providing such services.

21-46 25 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 cost of food, wages and other expenses directly incurred in providing such services.

Such board is authorized to purchase equipment and suppliesthat are necessary,to employthenecessary personnel,to utilize the services of volunteers and to receive and expend any funds and LCOreceive {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0020and ofuse 38any R03-SB.docxequipment }and Substitutesupplies Billwhich No.may become available to carry out the provisions of this section.

2 receive and use any equipment and supplies which may become available to carry out the provisions of this section.

(b) For the school year commencing July 1, 2021, and each school year thereafter, a local or regional board of education shall include in any policy or procedure for the collection of unpaid charges for school lunches, breakfasts or other such feeding applicable to employees and third-party vendors of such school lunches, breakfasts or such feeding (1) a prohibition on publicly identifying or shaming a child for any such unpaid charges, including, but not limited to, delaying or refusing to serve a meal to such child, designating a specificmealoptionforspecific suchchildorotherwisemeal takinganyoption for such child or otherwise taking any disciplinary action against such child, (2) a declaration of the right for any child to purchase a meal, which meal may exclude any a la carte items or be limited to one meal for any school lunch, breakfast or other such feeding, and (3) a procedure for communicating with the parent or legal guardian of a child for the purpose of collecting such unpaid charges.

Such communication shall include, but not be limited to, (A) informationregardinglocalfoodpantries,(B)information applicationsfortheregarding local food pantries, (B) applications for the school district's program for free or reduced priced meals and for the supplemental nutrition assistance program administered by the Department of Social Services, and (C) a link to the Internet web site maintained by the town for such school districtPublic listingAct anyNo. community services available to the residents of such town.

21-46 26 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 district listing any community services available to the residents of such town.

In the event the unpaid charges for school lunches, breakfasts or other such feeding due from any parent or legal guardian are equal to or more than the cost of thirty meals, the local or regional board of education shall refer such parent or legal guardian to the local homeless education liaison designated by such board, pursuant to Subtitle B of TitleVIIoftheMcKinney-VentoHomelessAssistanceAct,42USC11431 et seq., as amended from time to time.

(a) The Commissioner of Children and Families shall ensure that a LCOchild {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0021placed in the care and custody of 38the R03-SB.docxcommissioner }pursuant Substituteto Billan No.order of temporary custody or an order of commitment is provided visitation with such child's parents and siblings, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

2 child placed in the care and custody of the commissioner pursuant to an order of temporary custody or an order of commitment is provided visitation with such child's parents and siblings, unless otherwise ordered by the court.

In the event of a pandemic or outbreak of a communicable disease resulting in a declaration of a public health emergency by the Governor pursuant to section 19a-131a, or a declaration of a national emergency by the President of the United States, such child shall be provided opportunities to communicate with such child's parents and siblings by telephonic, video or other conferencing platform in lieu of in-person visitation, for the duration of any such declaration.

(c) If such child has an existing relationship with a sibling and is separated from such sibling as a result of intervention by the commissionerPublic including,Act butNo. not limited to, placement in a foster home or in the home of a relative, the commissioner shall, based upon consideration of the best interests of the child, ensure that such child has access to and visitation rights with such sibling throughout the duration of such placement.

In21-46 determining27 the number, frequency and duration of sibling43 visits, the commissioner shall consider the best interests of each sibling, given each child's age and developmental level and the continuationofthesibling relationship.Ifthechildand hisor her sibling both reside within the state and within fifty miles of each other, the commissioner shall, within available appropriations, ensure that such child's visits with his or her sibling occur, on average, not less than once per week, unless the commissioner finds that the frequency of such LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0022 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 visitationcommissioner isincluding, but not limited to, placement in a foster home or in the home of a relative, the commissioner shall, based upon consideration of the best interests of eachthe sibling.child, ensure that such child has access to and visitation rights with such sibling throughout the duration of such placement.

(d)In Notdetermining laterthe thannumber, Januaryfrequency 1,and 2022,duration of sibling visits, the commissioner shall developconsider athe policybest thatinterests requiresof each sibling, given each child's age and developmental level and the temporarycontinuationofthesibling cessationrelationship.Ifthechildand ofhisor in-personher visitationsibling providedboth pursuantreside towithin thisthe section,state onand awithin case-by-casefifty basis,miles inof each other, the eventcommissioner thatshall, awithin childavailable orappropriations, ensure that such child's parentvisits with his or her sibling isoccur, seriouslyon illaverage, duenot toless athan communicableonce disease,per andweek, visitationunless couldthe resultcommissioner infinds that the contractionfrequency of such diseasevisitation byis onenot orin morethe participantsbest ininterests theof visitation.each sibling.

Such(d) policyIn shallthe requireevent thatof a pandemic or outbreak ofa communicable disease resulting in a declaration of a public health emergency by the Governor pursuant to section 19a-131a, or a declaration of a national emergency by the President of the United States, such child shall be provided anopportunities opportunity to communicatewithsuchchild'sparentsandsiblingsbytelephonic,videocommunicate with such child's parents and siblings by telephonic, video or other conferencing platform in lieu of in-person visitation, for the duration of any such visitation.declaration.

Not later than January 1, 2022, the commissioner shall develop a policy that requires the temporary cessation of in-person visitation provided pursuant to this section, on a case-by-case basis, in the event that a child or such child's parent or sibling is seriously ill due to a communicable disease, and visitation could result in the contraction of such disease by one or more participants in the visitation.

Such policy shall require that such child be provided an opportunity to communicate with such child's parentsandsiblingsby telephonic,video orother conferencing platform in lieu of such visitation.

[(d)]Public (e)Act TheNo. commissioner shall include in each child's case record information relating to the factors considered in making visitation determinations pursuant to this section.

21-46 28 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 [(d)] (e) The commissioner shall include in each child's case record information relating to the factors considered in making visitation determinations pursuant to this section.

Section(NEW) 17a-103a(Effective July 1, 2021) Not later than February 1, 2022, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall develop and maintain a software application for use on computers and mobile devices to facilitate (1) the generalreporting statutesof isnonemergent repealedincidents to the Department of Children and Families by mandated reporters, and (2) communication between children in the LCOcare {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0023and custody of 38the R03-SB.docxcommissioner }and Substitutesocial Billworkers No.assigned to such children.

2 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):

(a) The Commissioner of Children and Families shall establish and operate the telephone Careline for child abuse and neglect that shall be dedicated to receive reports of child abuse or neglect and to provide information concerning child abuse or neglect.

The Careline shall accept all reports of child abuse or neglect regardless of the relationship of the alleged perpetrator to the child who is the alleged victim and regardless of the alleged perpetrator's affiliation with any organization or other entity in any capacity.

The commissioner shall classify and evaluate all reports pursuant to the provisions of section 17a-101g.

(b) Not later than July 1, 2022, the Commissioner of Children and Families shall expand the operation of the telephone Careline to accommodate the receipt and provision of information concerning child abuse or neglect by text message or mobile telephone application.

Such expanded operation shall be monitored twenty-four hours per day and seven days per week by the Department of Children and Families.

(NEW)Section (Effective17a-103d July 1, 2021) If the Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner's designee, has authorized the immediate removal of a child from such child's home pursuant to subsection (e) of section 17a-101g of the general statutes,statutes or is consideringrepealed removingand a child from such child's home, the commissionerfollowing shallprovidewrittennoticeis tosubstituted theparentorguardianofsuchchild.Such notice shall be in thelieu parentthereof or(Effective guardian'sJuly primary1, language,2021): and contain (1) the date, time and location of any removal meeting the commissioner has scheduled, (2) a plain language explanation of the removalprocess, steps thecommissioner intendsto take andlegalrights of the parent or guardian, (3) a list of local organizations that provide free or reduced-cost legal services and how to access such services, and (4) a check box for such parent or guardian to request the services of an interpreter at any such meeting.

Such(a) noticeUpon shallreceiving bea providedcomplaint asof soonabuse asor isneglect practicableof priora tochild, the dateDepartment of anyChildren removaland meeting,Families or,shall, ifat immediatethe removaltime wasof authorized,any notinitial laterPublic thanAct twenty-fourNo. hours after such removal.

The21-46 commissioner29 shall obtain the signature of such43 LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-00024 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 parentface-to-face orcontact guardianwith acknowledgingthe receiptchild's ofparent suchor noticeguardian andon provideor theafter servicesOctober of1, an[2011] interpreter2021, atprovide anythe suchparent meetingor forguardian whichwith an(1) interpreterwritten hasnotice, beenin requestedplain bylanguage, suchthat: parent or guardian.

[(1)] (A) The parent or guardian is not required to permit the representative of the department to enter the residence of the parent or guardian;

[(2)] (B) the parent or guardian is not required to speak with the representative of the department at that time;

[(3)] (C) the parent or guardian is entitled to seek the representation of an attorney and to have an attorney present when the parent or guardian is questioned by a representative of the department, including at any meeting conducted to determine whether the parent or guardian's child should be removed from the home;

[(4)] (D) any statement made by the parent, guardian or other family member may be used against the parent or guardian in an administrative or court proceeding;

[(5)] (E) the representative of the department is not an attorney and cannot provide legal advice to the parent or guardian;

[(6)] (F) the parent or guardian is not required to sign any document presented by the representative of the department, including, but not limited to, a release of claims or a service agreement, and is entitled to have an attorney review such document before agreeing to sign the document;

and [(7)] (G) a failure of the parent or guardian to communicate with a representative of the department may have serious consequences, which may include the department's filing of a petition for the removal of the child from the home of the parent or guardian, and therefore it is in the parent's or guardian's best interest to either speak with the representative of the department or immediately seek the advice of a qualified attorney;

and (2) a list of providers of free and low-cost legal services through which the parent or guardian may obtain legal advice.

(b) The department shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the notice and list provided to a parent or guardian pursuant to this section [is] are written in a manner that will be understood by the parent or guardian, which reasonable efforts shall include, but not be limited to, Public Act No.

21-46 30 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 ensuring that the notice [is] and list are written in a language understood by the parent or guardian.

(c) The representative of the department shall request the parent or guardian to sign and date the notice described in subsection (a) of this section as evidence of having received the notice and list.

If the parent or guardian refuses to sign and date the notice upon such request, the representative of the department shall specifically indicate on the notice that the parent or guardian was requested to sign and date the notice and refused to do so and the representative of the department shall sign the notice as witness to the parent's or guardian's refusal to sign the notice.

The department shallprovidetheparent or guardianwithacopy of the signed notice at the time of the department's initial face-to-face contact with the parent or guardian.

Section 17a-248g of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective Julyfrom 1,passage): 2022):

(b) Nothing in section 17a-248, sections 17a-248b to 17a-248f, inclusive, this section and sections 38a-490a and 38a-516a shall be construed to permit the Department of Social Services or any other state agencyPublic toAct reduceNo. medical assistance pursuant to this chapter or other assistance or services available to eligible children.

21-46 31 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 agency to reduce medical assistance pursuant to this chapter or other assistance or services available to eligible children.

(c) Providers of early intervention services shall, in the first instance and where applicable, seek payment from all third-party payers prior to claiming payment from the birth-to-three system for services rendered to eligible children, provided, for the purpose of seeking payment from LCOthe {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0025Medicaid ofprogram 38or R03-SB.docxfrom }other Substitutethird-party Billpayers No.as agreed upon by the provider, the obligation to seek payment shall not apply to a payment from a third-party payer who is not prohibited from applying such payment, and who will apply such payment, to an annual or lifetime limit specified in the third-party payer's policy or contract.

2 the Medicaid program or from other third-party payers as agreed upon by the provider, the obligation to seek payment shall not apply to a payment from a third-party payer who is not prohibited from applying such payment, and who will apply such payment, to an annual or lifetime limit specified in the third-party payer's policy or contract.

and (2) chargePublic feesAct forNo. all services provided, including those services provided in the first two months following the enrollment of a child in the program.

21-46 32 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 charge fees for all services provided, including those services provided in the first two months following the enrollment of a child in the program.

The commissioner may implement procedures for the LCOcollection {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0026of the schedule of 38fees R03-SB.docxwhile }in Substitutethe Billprocess No.of adopting or amending such criteria in regulation, provided the commissioner posts notice of intention to adopt or amend the regulations on the eRegulations System, established pursuant to section 4-173b, within twentydaysofimplementingthepolicy.Such collectionproceduresand schedule of fees shall be valid until the time the final regulations or amendments are effective] The commissioner shall not charge a fee for early intervention services to the parents or legal guardians of eligible children.

2(f) collection[The] ofWith therespect scheduleto ofearly feesintervention whileservices inrendered theprior process of adopting or amending such criteria in regulation, provided the commissioner posts notice of intention to adopt or amend the regulationseffective ondate the eRegulations System, established pursuant to section 4-173b, within twentydaysofimplementingthepolicy.Such collectionproceduresand schedule of feesthis shallsection, be valid until the time the final regulations or amendments are effective] The commissioner shall notdevelop chargeand aimplement feeprocedures forto earlyhold interventiona servicesrecipient toharmless for the parentsimpact orof legalpursuitofpaymentfor guardians[earlyintervention]suchservicesagainstlifetime ofinsurance eligiblelimits. children.

(f)(g) [The]Notwithstanding Withany respectprovision toof earlytitle intervention38a servicesrelating rendered prior to July 1, 2022, the commissionerpermissible shallexclusion developof andpayments implementfor proceduresservices tounder holdgovernmental aprograms, recipientno harmlesssuch forexclusion theshall impactapply ofwith pursuitrespect ofto paymentpayments formade [earlyPublic intervention]Act suchNo. services against lifetime insurance limits.

(g)21-46 Notwithstanding33 any provision of title43 38aSubstitute relatingSenate toBill theNo. permissible exclusion of payments for services under governmental programs, no such exclusion shall apply with respect to payments made pursuant to section 17a-248, sections 17a-248b to 17a-248f, inclusive, this section and sections 38a-490a and 38a-516a.

2 pursuant to section 17a-248, sections 17a-248b to 17a-248f, inclusive, this section and sections 38a-490a and 38a-516a.

(10) (A) Each local and regional board of education responsible for providing special education and related services to a child or pupil shall notify the parent or guardian of a child who requires or who may require special education, a pupil if such pupil is an emancipated minor or eighteen years of age or older who requires or who may require special education or a surrogate parent appointed pursuant to section LCO10-94g, {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0027in writing, at least five school days before such board proposes to, or refuses to, initiate or change the child's or pupil's identification, evaluation or educational placement or the provision of 38a R03-SB.docxfree }appropriate Substitutepublic Billeducation No.to the child or pupil.

2 10-94g, in writing, at least five school days before such board proposes to, or refuses to, initiate or change the child's or pupil's identification, evaluation or educational placement or the provision of a free appropriate public education to the child or pupil.

Such meeting shall be for the sole purpose of discussing the planning and placement team process and any concerns such parent, guardian, pupil or surrogate parent has regarding the child or pupil who requires or may require specialPublic education.Act No.

21-46 34 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 special education.

LCO(D) {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0028Immediately upon the formal identification of 38any R03-SB.docxchild }as Substitutea Billchild requiring special education and at each planning and placement team meeting for such child, the responsible local or regional board of education shall inform the parent or guardian of such child or surrogate parentor,inthecaseofapupilwhoisanemancipatedminororeighteen years of age or older, the pupil of (i) the laws relating to special education, (ii) the rights of such parent, guardian, surrogate parent or pupil under such laws and the regulations adopted by the State Board of Education relating to special education, including the right of a parent, guardian or surrogate parent to (I) withhold from enrolling such child in kindergarten, in accordance with the provisions of section 10- 184, and (II) have advisors and the school paraprofessional assigned to such child or pupil [to be present at, and to] attend and participate in [,] Public Act No.

221-46 (D)35 Immediately upon the formal identification of any43 childSubstitute asSenate aBill childNo. requiring special education and at each planning and placement team meeting for such child, the responsible local or regional board of education shall inform the parent or guardian of such child or surrogate parentor,inthecaseofapupilwhoisanemancipatedminororeighteen years of age or older, the pupil of (i) the laws relating to special education, (ii) the rights of such parent, guardian, surrogate parent or pupil under such laws and the regulations adopted by the State Board of Education relating to special education, including the right of a parent, guardian or surrogate parent to (I) withhold from enrolling such child in kindergarten, in accordance with the provisions of section 10- 184, and (II) have advisors and the school paraprofessional assigned to such child or pupil [to be present at, and to] attend and participate in [,] all portions of such meeting at which an educational program for such child or pupil is developed, reviewed or revised, in accordance with the provisionsofsubparagraph(C)ofthissubdivision,and(iii)any relevant information and resources relating to individualized education programs created by the Department of Education, including, but not limited to, information relating to transition resources and services for high school students.

2 all portions of such meeting at which an educational program for such child or pupil is developed, reviewed or revised, in accordance with the provisionsofsubparagraph(C)ofthissubdivision,and(iii)any relevant information and resources relating to individualized education programs created by the Department of Education, including, but not limited to, information relating to transition resources and services for high school students.

(F) At each initial planning and placement team meeting for a child or pupil, the responsible local or regional board of education shall inform the parent, guardian, surrogate parent or pupil of (i) the laws relating to physical restraint and seclusion pursuant to section 10-236b and the rights of such parent, guardian, surrogate parent or pupil under such laws and the regulations adopted by the State Board of Education relating to physical restraint and seclusion, and (ii) the right of such LCOparent, {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0029guardian, surrogate parent or pupil, during such meeting at which an educational program for such child or pupil is developed, to have (I) such child or pupil's birth-to-three service coordinator attend and participate in all portions of 38such R03-SB.docxmeeting, }and Substitute(II) Billeach No.recommendationmade inthetransitionplan,asrequiredby section17a- 248e, as amended by this act, by such child or pupil's birth-to-three service coordinator addressed by the planning and placement team.

2(G) parent,Upon guardian,request surrogateby parenta orparent, pupil,guardian, duringpupil such meeting at which an educational program for such child or pupilsurrogate isparent, developed,the toresponsible havelocal (I) such child or pupil'sregional birth-to-threeboard serviceof coordinatoreducation attendshall andprovide participatethe inresults all portions of suchthe meeting,assessments and (II)evaluations eachused recommendationmadein inthetransitionplan,asrequiredbythe section17a-determination 248e,of aseligibility amendedfor byspecial thiseducation act,for bya such child or pupil'spupil birth-to-threeto servicesuch coordinatorparent, addressedPublic byAct theNo. planning and placement team.

(G)21-46 Upon36 request by a parent, guardian, pupil or surrogate parent, the responsible local or regional board of education43 shallSubstitute provideSenate theBill resultsNo. of the assessments and evaluations used in the determination of eligibility for special education for a child or pupil to such parent, guardian, surrogate parent or pupil at least three school days before the referral planning and placement team meeting at which such results of the assessments and evaluations will be discussed for the first time.

2 guardian, surrogate parent or pupil at least three school days before the referral planning and placement team meeting at which such results of the assessments and evaluations will be discussed for the first time.

(H) Each local or regional board of education shall monitor the development of each child who, pursuant to subsection (a) of section 17a-248e, as amended by this act, has been (i) referred for a registration on a mobile application designated by the Commissioner of Early Childhood, in partnership with such child's parent, guardian or surrogate parent, or (ii) provided a form for such child's parent, guardian or surrogate parent to complete and submit to such local or regional board of education that screens for developmental and social- emotional delays using a validated screening tool, such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Ages and Stages Social-Emotional Questionnaire, or itsequivalent.

Ifsuchmonitoringresultsinsuspecting a child of having a developmental delay, the board shall schedule a planning and placement team meeting with such child's parent, guardian or surrogate parent for the purposes of identifying services for which such child may be eligible, including, but not limited to, a preschool program under Part B of theIndividuals with Disabilities Act, USC 1471 et seq.

If a parent,guardianor surrogate parent ofany child referred for a registration on the mobile application or provided a form to complete and submit pursuant to subsection (a) of section 17a-248e, as amended by this act, fails to complete such registration or complete and submit such form after a period of six months from the date of such referral or provision of such form, the board shall send a reminder, in the formand manner determined by the board, to such parent, guardian or surrogate parent to complete such registration or complete and submit such form.

The board shall send another reminder after a period of one year from such referral or provision of such form if such registration remains incomplete or such form is not submitted.

Subsection (i) of section 10-76d of the general statutes is repealedPublic andAct theNo. following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):

21-46 37 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2021):

SectionSubsection (a) of section 17a-248e of the general statutes is repealed and the LCOfollowing {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0030is ofsubstituted 38in R03-SB.docxlieu }thereof Substitute(Effective BillJuly No.1, 2021):

2(a) followingEach eligible child and his or her family shall receive (1) a multidisciplinary assessment of the child's unique needs and the identification of services appropriate to meet such needs, (2) a written individualized family service plan developed by a multidisciplinary team, including the parent, within forty-five days after the referral, [and] (3) review of the individualized family service plan with the family at least every six months, with evaluation of the individualized family service plan at least annually, and (4) not later than two months after the date on which any child is substituteddetermined to be ineligible for participation in lieupreschool thereofprograms (Effectiveunder JulyPart 1,B 2021):of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, 20 USC 1471 et seq., a referral to register for a mobile application designated by the Commissioner of Early Childhood Public Act No.

(a)21-46 Each38 eligible child and his or her family shall receive (1) a multidisciplinary assessment of the43 child'sSubstitute uniqueSenate needsBill andNo. the identification of services appropriate to meet such needs, (2) a written individualized family service plan developed by a multidisciplinary team, including the parent, within forty-five days after the referral, [and] (3) review of the individualized family service plan with the family at least every six months, with evaluation of the individualized family service plan at least annually, and (4) if the child is ineligible for participation in preschool programs under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, 20 USC 1471 et seq., a screening for developmental and social-emotional delays using validated assessment tools, such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire and the Ages and Stages Social- Emotional Questionnaire, or their equivalents.

(b)2 Thefor individualizedthe familypurpose serviceof plancontinued shallscreening befor developmental and social- emotional delays in writingpartnership with the local or regional board of education for the school district in which such child resides pursuant to subparagraph (H) of subdivision (10) of subsection (a) of section 10a- 76d, as amended by this act, provided a form used for screening for developmental and contain:social-emotional delays using a validated screening tool,suchastheAgesandStagesQuestionnaireandtheAgesandStages Social-Emotional Questionnaire, or its equivalent, is provided to any family upon the request of such family for the purpose of completing and submitting such form to the local or regional board of education for the school district in which such child resides.

(1) A statement of the child's present level of physical development, cognitive development, language and speech development and self-help skills, based on acceptable objective criteria;

(2) a statement of the family's priority, resources and concerns relating to enhancing the development of the eligible child;

(3) a statement of the major outcomesexpectedto beachievedforthechildandthefamily and the criteria, procedures and timelines used to determine the degree to which progress toward achieving the outcomes are being made, and whether modifications or revisions of the outcomes are necessary;

(4) a statement of specific early intervention services necessary to meet the unique needs of the eligible child and the family, including the frequency, intensity and the method of delivering services;

(5) a statement of the natural environments in which the services shall be provided;

(6) the projected dates for initiation of services and the anticipated duration of such services;

(7) the name of the approved comprehensive service provider that will provide or procure the services specified in the individualized family service plan;

(8) the name of the individual service coordinator from the profession most LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0031 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

2 immediately relevant to the eligible child's or the family's needs who will be responsible for the implementation of the plan and coordination with the other agencies and providers or an otherwise qualified provider selected by a parent;

and (9) the steps to be taken to support the transition of the child who is eligible for participation in preschool programs under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, 20 USC 1471 et seq., as appropriate.

(c) The individualized family service plan shall be signed by the child's pediatrician or a primary care provider or qualified personnel, as those terms are defined in section 17a-248.

(d) The lead agency may provide early intervention services, arrange for the delivery of early intervention services by participating agencies or contract with providers to deliver early intervention services to eligible children and the families of such children.

The lead agency in providing, arranging or contracting for early intervention services shall monitor all birth-to-three service providers for quality and accountability in accordance with Section 616 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 USC 1416 and establish state-wide rates for such services.

(NEW) (Effective Julyfrom 1,passage) 2021) Not later than July 1, 2022, the Commissioner of Early Childhood shall develop and implement a plan to expand the birth-to-three program, established pursuant to section 17a-248b of the generalstatutes, as amended by this act, to provide early intervention services to any child who is (1) enrolled in the program, (2) turns three years of age on or after May 1first and not later than the first day of the next school year commencing July 1,first, and (3) is eligible for participation in preschool programs under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Act, 20 USC 1471 et seq., provided such services shall terminate upon such child's participation in such a preschool program.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2021) For the school year commencing LCOJuly {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-00002321, 2022, and each school year thereafter, in any school district that serves a town that has not convened or established a local or regional school readiness council pursuant to section 10-16r of 38the R03-SB.docxgeneral }statutes, Substitutethe Billlocal No.or regional board of education for such school district shall designate a school readiness liaison.

2Such Julyliaison 1,shall 2022,(1) andbe eachan schoolexisting yearemployee thereafter,of insuch any school districtdistrict, thatand serves(2) aserve townas thatan hasinformational notresource convenedfor orparents established a local or regional school readiness council pursuant to section 10-16r of thechildren generaltransitioning statutes,from the localPublic orAct regionalNo. board of education for such school district shall designate a school readiness liaison.

Such21-46 liaison39 shall (1) be an existing employee of such43 schoolSubstitute district,Senate andBill (2)No. serve as an informational resource for parents of children transitioning from the birth-to-three program established pursuant to section 17a-248b of the general statutes, to enrollment in a public elementary school in such school district.

2 birth-to-three program established pursuant to section 17a-248 of the general statutes, to enrollment in a public elementary school in such school district.

(Effective from passage) (a) As used in this section, (1) "adverse childhood experience" means a potentially traumatic event occurring in childhood, including, but not limited to, (A) experiencing or witnessing violence, abuse, neglect, a substance abuse disorder, a suicide attempt or death by suicide, or (B) experiencing instability due to parental separation or incarceration, and (2)"participating municipalities" means the municipalities of Bridgeport, Cheshire, East Hartford, Killingworth, Orange and South Windsor.

(b) The Department of Education shall establish an adverse childhood experience survey pilot program to be administered in participatingmunicipalities.Suchpilotprogramshallbeforthepurpose of collecting data concerning adverse childhood experiences sufferedby students in grades four to twelve, inclusive, enrolled in public schools in participating municipalities.

(c) Not later than October 1, 2021, the Department of Education shall develop a survey that requires the student taking the survey to indicate whether the student has witnessed or experienced one or more potentially traumatic events, including, but not limited to, (1) violence, abuse, neglect, a substance abuse disorder, a suicide attempt or death by suicide, or (2) instability due to parental separation or incarceration.

The survey shall (A) be tailored to the developmental stages of the students administered the survey, and (B) not include any personally identifying information.

LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0033 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

2 (d) Not later than August 1, 2022, the Department of Education shall require each public school enrolling students in grades four to twelve, inclusive, in participating municipalities to administer the survey developed pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, and report the results of the survey to the department in a form and manner prescribed by the department.

Such report shall (1) include, but not be limited to, the number of students in each grade who have suffered each type of potentially traumatic event, and (2) not include any data concerning the number or types of potentially traumatic events suffered by any one student.

(e) Not later than December 1, 2022, the Department of Education shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance ofmattersrelating to children.Suchreport shallinclude a summary ofthenumber ofstudentsineachgradein each participating municipality who have suffered each type of potentially traumatic event.

Sec.

31.

The task force shall (1) assessidentify the needs of children using the following tenets of the whole child initiative developed by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development:

(A) Each student enters school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle, (B) each student learns in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults, (C) each student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community, (D) each student has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults, and (E) each student is challenged academically and prepared for success in college or further study and for employment and participation in a global environment,environment; (2) recommend new programs or changes to existing programs operated by educators or local or state agencies to LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0034 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

2(2) betterrecommend addressnew theprograms needsor ofchanges childrento inexisting theprograms state,operated andby (3)educators recognizeor anylocal exceptionalor effortsstate agencies to meetbetter address the comprehensive needs of children byin educators,the communitystate; members or local or state agencies.

(3) recognize any exceptional efforts to meet the comprehensive needs of children by educators, community members or local or state agencies;

(4) identify and advocate for resources, including, but not limited to, funds, required to meet the needs of children in the state;

(5) identify redundanciesin existing servicesor programsfor childrenandadvocate for the elimination of such redundancies;

and (6) assess all publicly available data concerning the comprehensive needs of children identified pursuant to subdivision (1) of this subsection and collect, or make recommendations for the state to collect,any data that is not being collected by educators, community members or local or state agencies.

(b)Public TheAct taskNo. force shall consist of the following members:

21-46 40 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 (b) The task force shall consist of the following members:

(8) The Commissioner of Early Childhood, or the commissioner's LCOdesignee; {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0035 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

2 designee;

(11)Public TheAct executiveNo. director of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, or the executive director's designee;

21-46 41 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 (11) The executive director of the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, or the executive director's designee;

and (22) The Chief Court Administrator, or the Chief Court LCOAdministrator's {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-0036designee; of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

2and Administrator's(23) The director of Special Education Equity for Kids of Connecticut, or the director's designee.

(c)Public AnyAct memberNo. of the task force appointed under subdivisions (1) to (6), inclusive, of subsection (b) of this section may be a member of the General Assembly.

21-46 42 of 43 Substitute Senate Bill No.

2 (c) Any member of the task force appointed under subdivisions (1) to (6), inclusive, of subsection (b) of this section may be a member of the General Assembly.

ThisApproved actJune shall16, take2021 effectPublic asAct followsNo. and shall amend the following sections:

Section21-46 143 Julyof 1,43 2021 New section July 1, 2021 Sec.

2 20-12b(a) Sec.

3 July 1, 2021 20-73b(a) Sec.

4 July 1, 2021 20-74h Sec.

5 July 1, 2021 New section Sec.

6 July 1, 2021 20-102ee(a) LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-00002- 37 of 38 R03-SB.docx } Substitute Bill No.

2 Sec.

7 July 1, 2021 20-185k(b) Sec.

8 July 1, 2021 20-195ttt(f) Sec.

9 July 1, 2021 20-206mm(d) and (e) Sec.

10 July 1, 2021 19a-14c July 1, 2021 Sec.

11 10-148a(a) Sec.

12 July 1, 2021 10-220a(b) Sec.

13 July 1, 2021 10-220(b) Sec.

14 July 1, 2021 10-221 Sec.

15 from passage New section Sec.

16 from passage New section Sec.

17 July 1, 2021 10-16 from passage Sec.

18 10-198b Sec.

19 July 1, 2021 New section Sec.

20 July 1, 2021 10-215 Sec.

21 July 1, 2021 17a-10a Sec.

22 July 1, 2021 17a-103a Sec.

23 July 1, 2021 New section Sec.

24 July 1, 2022 17a-248g Sec.

25 July 1, 2021 10-76d(a)(10) Sec.

26 July 1, 2021 10-76d(i) Sec.

27 July 1, 2021 17a-248e Sec.

28 July 1, 2021 New section Sec.

29 July 1, 2021 New section Sec.

30 from passage New section Sec.

31 from passage New section KID Joint Favorable Subst.

APP Joint Favorable LCO {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2021SB-00002- 38 of 38 R03-SB.docx }