SB 2 — AN ACT CONCERNING THE MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL WELLNESS OF CHILDREN.

23-101 3 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 of this section shall be distributed among the four classes so that principal public libraries for class B, C, and D towns, respectively, shall receive two times, three times and four times as much on a per capita basis as principal public libraries for class A towns.

(d) [The]The A principal public library [forfor each town]town that receives a grant under subsections (b) and (c) of this section and is a sanctuary public library shall be eligible to receive an incentive grant in an amount to be determined as follows:

(1) The State Library Board shall, in such manner as prescribed by the board, determine for each fiscal year, a state-wide average for per capita LCOlibrary 4301expenditures {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-000025and ofeach 22town's R03-SB.docxindividual }per Committeecapita Billlibrary No.expenditure based on the annual statistical report filed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.

2 library expenditures and each town's individual per capita library expenditure based on the annual statistical report filed in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.

Funds available for purposes of this subsection pursuant to subdivision (3) of subsection (b) of this section shall be distributed among the four classes so that such principal publicPublic librariesAct forNo. class A and B towns, respectively, shall receive three times and two times as much on a per capita basis as such principal public libraries for class C towns.

(3)23-101 Grants4 toof [the]35 suchSenate principalBill publicNo. [library for each town] libraries under this subsection shall be determined as follows:

Said2 fundsavailablepublic libraries for purposesofthissubsectionshallbemultipliedbyclass theA perand centB oftowns, fundsrespectively, pershall classreceive tothree determinetimes anand appropriationtwo times as much on a per class;capita basis as principal public libraries for class C towns.

the(3) appropriationGrants perto classthe shallprincipal bepublic dividedlibrary byfor thetotaleach populationpertown classshall tobe determinedetermined anas amountfollows: per capita;

theSaid grantfunds available for [the]purposes eachof suchthis principalsubsection publicshall librarybe [formultiplied eachby town]the shallper becent theof town'sfunds totalper populationclass multipliedto bydetermine thean amountappropriation per capita.class;

the appropriation per class shall be divided by the total population per class to determine an amount per capita;

the grant for the principal public library for each town shall be the town's total population multiplied by the amount per capita.

(e)Applicationfor grantsunder this sectionshallbe madetomade to theState Library Board in such form and at such time as the board designates.

(f) The Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall make LCOavailable, 4301upon {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-000026the request of 22the R03-SB.docxState }Library CommitteeBoard, Billsuch No.information as is needed by the board to determine grant payments in accordance with the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of this section.

2 available, upon the request of the State Library Board, such information as is needed by the board to determine grant payments in accordance with the provisions of subsections (c) and (d) of this section.

(i) No principal public library shall be eligible to receive a state grant Public Act No.

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2 in accordance with the provisions of subsections (b), (c) and (d) of this section if such principal public library does not maintain and adhere to collection development, collection management and collection reconsideration policies that have been approved by the governing body of such library.

Such collection reconsideration policy shall offer residents a clear process to request a reconsideration of library materials.Intheinstanceofabookchallenge,thesepoliciesshallgovern.

4.3.

5.4.

As used in this section, [and] sections 17a-248b to 17a-248g, inclusive, as amended by this act, 38a-490a and 38a-516a and section 76 of this act, unless the context otherwise requires:

LCO(3) 4301"Early {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-000027intervention ofservices" 22means R03-SB.docxearly }intervention Committeeservices, Billas No.defined in 34 CFR Part 303.13, as from time to time amended.

2Public (3)Act "EarlyNo. intervention services" means early intervention services, as defined in 34 CFR Part 303.13, as from time to time amended.

(4)23-101 "Eligible6 children" means children (A) (i) from birth to thirty-six months of age,35 whoSenate areBill notNo. eligible for special education and related services pursuant to sections 10-76a to 10-76h, inclusive, and (ii) thirty- six months of age or older, who are receiving early intervention services and are eligible or being evaluated for participation in preschool services pursuant to Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 USC 1411 et seq., until such children are enrolled in such preschool services, and (B) who need early intervention services because such children are:

2 (4) "Eligible children" means children (A) (i) from birth to thirty-six months of age, who are not eligible for special education and related services pursuant to sections 10-76a to 10-76h, inclusive, and (ii) thirty- six months of age or older, who are receiving early intervention services and are eligible or being evaluated for participation in preschool services pursuant to Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 USC 1411 et seq., until such children are enrolled in such preschool services, and (B) who need early intervention services because such children are:

(B) a guardian, except for the Commissioner of Children and LCOFamilies; 4301 {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-00008 of 22 R03-SB.docx } Committee Bill No.

2(C) Families;an individual acting in the place of a biological or adoptive Public Act No.

(C)23-101 an7 individual acting in the place of a35 biologicalSenate orBill adoptiveNo. parent, including, but not limited to, a grandparent, stepparent, or other relative with whom the child lives;

2 parent, including, but not limited to, a grandparent, stepparent, or other relative with whom the child lives;

6.5.

Subsection (b) of section 17a-248e of the general statutes is repealedPublic andAct the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, LCO 4301 {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-0009 of 22 R03-SB.docx } Committee Bill No.

223-101 2023):8 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):

(3) a statement of the major outcomesexpectedtooutcomesexpected to 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;

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.

6.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2023) On and after July 1, 2023, an Public Act No.

23-101 9 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 eligible child whose primary language is Spanish shall be entitled to receive early intervention services from Spanish-speaking qualified personnel and a Spanish-speaking service coordinator.

If no such Spanish-speaking qualified personnel or Spanish-speaking coordinator are available within the state-wide birth-to-three system for the provision of such early intervention services, a Spanish-speaking interpreter or translator shall be used to provide interpreting or translation services to such Spanish-speaking eligible children on behalf of the qualified personnel and service coordinators providing early intervention services, and such Spanish-speaking interpreter or translator shall be reimbursed at the rate received by court-appointed interpreters and translators within the judicial branch.

Sec.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2023) On and after July 1, 2023, an eligible child whose primary language is Spanish shall be entitled to receive early intervention services from Spanish-speaking qualified personnel and a Spanish-speaking service coordinator.

LCO 4301 {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-0010 of 22 R03-SB.docx } Committee Bill No.

2 Sec.

8.

(4) "Employer" means any person, firm, business, educational institution,Public nonprofitAct agency,No. corporation, limited liability company or other entity that employs fifty or more individuals in the state, which shall be determined based on such person's, firm's, business', educational institution's, nonprofit agency's, corporation's, limited liability company's or other entity's payroll for the week containing October first, annually.

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2 institution, nonprofit agency, corporation, limited liability company or other entity that employs fifty or more individuals in the state, which shall be determined based on such person's, firm's, business', educational institution's, nonprofit agency's, corporation's, limited liability company's or other entity's payroll for the week containing October first, annually.

(5) "Family violence" has the same meaning as provided in section LCO46b-38a; 4301 {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-0011 of 22 R03-SB.docx } Committee Bill No.

2 46b-38a;

(E) 21-1094 Community Health Workers;Public Act No.

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2 Workers;

(P) 29- 2040 Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics;

(II) 35-9030 Hosts LCOand 4301Hostesses, {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-0012Restaurant, ofLounge 22and R03-SB.docxCoffee }Shop; Committee Bill No.

2 and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge and Coffee Shop;

(KK) 37- 2011 Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners;

(EEE) 43-9050Public MailAct ClerksNo. and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service;

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2 43-9050 Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service;

[(8)] (9) "Sexual assault" means any act that constitutes a violation of section 53a-70b of the general statutes, revision of 1958, revised to January 1, 2019, or section 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b or LCO53a-73a; 4301 {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-0013 of 22 R03-SB.docx } Committee Bill No.

2 53a-73a;

9.8.

(1) For (A) a service worker's illness, injury or health condition, (B) the medical diagnosis, care or treatment of a service worker's mental illnessPublic orAct physicalNo. illness, injury or health condition, [or] (C) preventative medical care for a service worker, or (D) a mental health wellness day;

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2 illness or physical illness, injury or health condition, [or] (C) preventative medical care for a service worker, or (D) a mental health wellness day;

and (3) Where a service worker is (A) a victim of family violence or sexual assaultassault, (A)[(A)] or (B) the parent or guardian of a child who is a victim of family violence or sexual assault, provided such service worker is not the perpetrator or alleged perpetrator of such family violence or sexual assault, for (i) medical care or psychological or other counseling for physical or psychological injury or disability, (B)[(B) to obtainobtain] (ii) obtaining services from a victim services organization, (C)[(C) to relocaterelocate] (iii) relocating due to such family violence or sexual assault, or (D)[(D) to participateparticipate] (iv) participating in any civil or criminal proceedings related to or resulting from such family violence or sexual assault.

10.9.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2023) (a) The Commissioner of Social Services shall provide Medicaid reimbursement, to the extent permissible under federal law, for suicide risk assessments and other LCOmental 4301health {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-000014evaluations ofand 22services R03-SB.docxprovided }at Committeea Billschool-based No.health center or public school.

2 mental health evaluations and services provided at a school-based health center or public school.

Sec.Public Act No.

11.23-101 14 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 Sec.

10.

(2) ProvideAssist informationstate toresidents thewith public,accessing agencies, legislators and others regarding the problems and concerns of mental and behavioral health care providers and makerelated recommendationsresources; for resolving such problems and concerns;

(3) AnalyzeProvide andinformation monitorto the developmentpublic, andagencies, implementationlegislators of federal, state and localothers laws,regarding regulationsthe problems and policiesconcerns relatingof to mental and behavioral health care providers and recommendpatients changesand asmake necessary;recommendations for resolving such problems and concerns;

(4) FacilitateAnalyze publicand commentmonitor bythe mentaldevelopment and behavioralimplementation healthof carefederal, providersstate onand local laws, regulations and policies,policies including,relating butto notmental limitedand to,behavioral thehealth policiescare and actionsrecommend ofchanges healthas carriers;necessary;

(5) CoordinateFacilitate servicespublic withcomment theby Healthcaremental Advocateand tobehavioral assisthealth individualscare withproviders obtainingand accesspatients toon andlaws, coverageregulations forand mentalpolicies, andincluding, LCObut 4301not {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-0015limited ofto, 22the R03-SB.docxpolicies }and Committeeactions Billof No.health carriers;

2(6) Coordinate services with the Healthcare Advocate to assist individuals with obtaining access to and coverage for mental and behavioral health care services and to fulfill the duties set forth in subsections (e) and (g) of section 38a-1041 of the general statutes;

(6)(7) Ensure that mental and behavioral health care providers and patients have timely access to the services provided by the office;

(7)(8) Establish a toll-free number, or any other free calling option, to allowPublic accessAct toNo. the services provided by the Behavioral Health Advocate;

(8)23-101 Pursue15 administrative remedies on behalf of and35 withSenate theBill consentNo. of any mental and behavioral health care providers;

(9)2 Adoptallow regulations,access pursuant to chapter 54 of the generalservices statutes,provided toby carry out the provisionsBehavioral ofHealth thisAdvocate; section;

and(9) (10)Pursue Takeadministrative anyremedies otheron actionsbehalf necessaryof toand fulfillwith the purposesconsent of thisany section.mental and behavioral health care providers and patients;

(10) Adopt regulations, pursuant to chapter 54of the general statutes, to carry out the provisions of this section;

and (11) Take any other actions necessary to fulfill the purposes of this section.

The report shall include, but need not be limited to, (1) the subject matter, disposition and number of claims processed by the Behavioral Health LCOAdvocate 4301on {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-0016behalf of 22mental R03-SB.docxand }behavioral Committeehealth Billcare providers and patients, (2) common problems and concerns discerned by the Behavioral Health Advocate from mental and behavioral health care providers, patients or other relevant sources, and (3) the need, if any, for administrative, legislative or executive remedies to assist mental and Public Act No.

223-101 Advocate16 on behalf of mental35 andSenate behavioralBill healthNo. care providers, (2) common problems and concerns discerned by the Behavioral Health Advocate from mental and behavioral health care providers or other relevant sources, and (3) the need, if any, for administrative, legislative or executive remedies to assist mental and behavioral health care providers.

2 behavioral health care providers or patients.

12.11.

In addition to the Behavioral Health Advocate, the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate shall consist of asufficient staff as the requirements and resources of notthe moreoffice thanpermit, threeof persons,whom whichat staffleast mayone shall be increasedan asattorney theand requirementsat andleast resourcesone ofshall thebe officea permit.patient care navigator.

(b)(b)TheGovernorshallmaketheinitialappointmentoftheBehavioral IfHealth theAdvocate Generalfrom Assemblya islist not in session at the time of thecandidates Governor'sprepared designationand ofsubmitted, anot candidatelater forthan BehavioralFebruary Health1, Advocate,2024, theto candidate shall serve as the actingGovernor Behavioralby Health Advocate until the Generaladvisory Assemblycommittee meetsestablished andpursuant confirmsto thesection candidate21 asof Behavioralthis Healthact. Advocate.

The Governor shall notify the advisory committee of the pending expiration of the term of an incumbent Behavioral Health Advocate not less than ninety days prior to the final day of the Behavioral Health Advocate's term in office.

If a vacancy occurs in the position of Behavioral Health Advocate, the Governor shall notify the advisory committee immediately of the vacancy.

The advisory committee shall meet to consider qualified candidates for the position of Behavioral Health Advocate and shall submit a list of not more than five candidates to the Governor ranked in order of preference, not more than sixty days after receiving notice from the Governor of the pending expiration of the Behavioral Health Advocate's term or the occurrence of a vacancy.

The Governor shall designate, not more than sixty days after receipt of the list of candidates fromtheadvisorycommittee,onecandidate fromthelistfortheposition of Behavioral Health Advocate.

If, after the list is submitted to the Governor by the advisory committee, any candidate withdraws from Public Act No.

23-101 17 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 consideration, the Governor shall designate a candidate from those remaining on the list.

If the Governor fails to designate a candidate within sixty days of receipt of the list from the advisory committee, the advisory committee shall refer the candidate with the highest ranking on the list to the General Assembly for confirmation.

If the General Assembly is not in session at the time of the Governor's or advisory committee's designation of a candidate, the candidate shall serve as the acting Behavioral Health Advocate until the General Assembly meets and confirms the candidate as Behavioral Health Advocate.

Although an incumbent Behavioral Health Advocate may be reappointed, the Governor shallalso consider additionalcandidatesfromalist submitted by the advisory committee as provided in this section.

LCOSec. 4301 {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-0017 of 22 R03-SB.docx } Committee Bill No.

212. Sec.

13.Subsections (a) to (c), inclusive, of section 20-195o of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):

Subsection (a) of section 20-195o of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):

The application fee for a clinical social worker license shallbe[threePublic hundredfifteen]twoAct hundredNo. dollars.The applicationfee for a master social worker license shall be [two hundred twenty] one hundred fifty dollars.

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2 shallbe[three hundredfifteen]two hundred dollars.The applicationfee for a master social worker license shall be [two hundred twenty] one hundred twenty-five dollars.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of section 20-195n concerning examinations, on or before October 1, 2015, the commissioner may issue a license without examination, to any master social worker applicant who demonstrates to the satisfaction of the commissioner that, on or before October 1, 2013, he or she held a master's degree from a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or, if educated outside the United States or its territories, completed an educational program deemed equivalent by the council.

(c) Each person licensed pursuant to this chapter may apply for renewal of such licensure in accordance with the provisions of subsection (e) of section 19a-88.

A fee of [one] two hundred [ninety-five] dollars shall accompany each renewal application for [a licensed master social worker or] a licensed clinical social worker and a fee of one hundred twenty-five dollars shall accompany each renewal application for a licensed master social worker.

Each such applicant shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner of having satisfied the continuing education requirements prescribed in section 20-195u.

13.

Section 20-195c of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):

(a) Each applicant for licensure as a marital and family therapist shall present to the department satisfactory evidence that such applicant has:

(1) Completed a graduate degree program specializing in marital and family therapy offered by a regionally accredited college or university or an accredited postgraduate clinical training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education;

(2) completed a supervised practicum or internship with Public Act No.

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2 emphasis in marital and family therapy supervised by the program granting the requisite degree or by an accredited postgraduate clinical training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education and offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education;

(3) completed twelve months of relevant postgraduate experience, including (A) a minimum of one thousand hours of direct client contact offering marital and family therapy services subsequent to being awarded a master's degree or doctorate or subsequent to the training year specified in subdivision (2) of this subsection, and (B) one hundred hours of postgraduate clinical supervision provided by a licensed marital and family therapist;

and (4) passed an examination prescribed by the department.

The fee shall be [three hundred fifteen] two hundred dollars for each initial application.

(b) Each applicant for licensure as a marital and family therapist associate shall present to the department (1) satisfactory evidence that such applicant has completed a graduate degree program specializing in marital and family therapy offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education or an accredited postgraduate clinical training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education and offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education, and (2) verification from a supervising licensed marital and family therapist that the applicant is working toward completing the postgraduate experience required for licensure as a marital and family therapist under subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of this section.

The fee shall be [one hundred twenty-five] one hundred twenty-five dollars for each initial application.

(c) The department may grant licensure without examination, subject to payment of fees with respect to the initial application, to any applicant who is currently licensed or certified as a marital or marriage and family therapist or a marital and family therapist associate in another state, territory or commonwealth of the United States, provided Public Act No.

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2 such state, territory or commonwealth maintains licensure or certification standards which, in the opinion of the department, are equivalent to or higher than the standards of this state.

No license shall be issued under this section to any applicant against whom professional disciplinary action is pending or who is the subject of an unresolved complaint.

(d) (1) A license issued to a marital and family therapist issued under this section may be renewed annually in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-88.

The fee for such renewal shall be [three hundred twenty]two hundred dollars.Eachlicensed maritalandfamily therapist applying for license renewal shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner ofhaving participatedincontinuing educationprograms.

The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to (A) define basic requirements for continuing education programs, which shall include not less than one contact hour of training or education each registration period on the topic of cultural competency and, on and after January 1, 2016, not less than two contact hours of training or education during the first renewal period in which continuing education is required and not less than once every six years thereafter on the topic of mental health conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans, including (i) determining whether a patient is a veteran or family member of a veteran, (ii) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and (iii) suicide prevention training, (B) delineate qualifying programs, (C) establish a system of control and reporting, and (D) provide for waiver of the continuing education requirement for good cause.

(2) A license issued to a marital and family therapist associate (A) prior to July 1, 2023 shall expire on or before twenty-four months after the date on which such license was issued and, (B) on or after July 1, shall expire on or before twelve months after the date on which Public Act No.

23-101 21 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 such license was issued.

Such license may be renewed [once] not more than two times if issued prior to July 1, 2023, and not more than three times if issued on or after July 1, 2023, for an additional [twenty-four] twelve months in accordance with the provisions of section 19a-88.

The fee for such renewal shall be [two hundred twenty] one hundred twenty-five dollars.

Each licensed marital and family therapist associate applying for license renewal shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner of working toward completing the postgraduate experiencerequiredforlicensureasamaritalandfamilytherapistunder subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of this section and the potential for successful completion of such experience prior to the expiration of the [twenty-four month] twelve-month renewal period.

(e) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, an applicant who is currently licensed or certified as a marital or marriage and family therapist in another state, territory or commonwealth of the United States that does not maintain standards for licensure or certification that are equivalent to or higher than the standards in this state may substitute three years of licensed or certified work experience in the practice of marital and family therapy, as defined in section 20-195a, in lieu of the requirements of subdivisions (2) and (3) of subsection (a) of this section.

Sec.

SubdivisionsSubsections (1)(a) and (2)(b) of subsection (e) of section 19a-8820-195cc of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):

(e)(a) (1)The EachCommissioner personof holdingPublic aHealth licenseshall orgrant certificatea issuedlicense under(1) sectionas 19a-514,a 20-65k,professional 20-74s,counselor 20-185k,to 20-185l,any 20-195ccapplicant orwho 20-206llfurnishes andevidence chapterssatisfactory 370 to 373,the inclusive,commissioner 375,that 378such toapplicant 381a,has inclusive,met 383, [to 383c, inclusive] 383a, 383c, 383g, 384, 384a, 384b, 385, 393a, 395, 399 or 400a and section 20-206n or 20-206o shall, annually, or, in the caserequirements of asection person20-195dd, holdingand a(2) license as a maritalprofessional andcounselor family therapist associate underto sectionany 20-195capplicant onwho orfurnishes beforeevidence twenty-foursatisfactory monthsto after the datecommissioner ofthat initial licensure, during the month of such person'sapplicant birth,has applymet for renewal of such license or certificate to the Departmentrequirements of Publicsection Health,20-195dd. giving suchperson'snameinfull,suchperson'sresidenceandbusinessaddress and such other information as the department requests.

(2)The Eachcommissioner person holding a license or certificate issued under section 19a-514, and chapters 383b, 384a, 384c, 384d, 386, 387, 388 and 398 shall applydevelop for renewal of such license or certificate once every two years, during the month of such person's birth, giving such person's name in full, such person's residence and businessprovide addressapplication andPublic suchAct otherNo. information as the department requests.

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2 forms.

The application fee for a professional counselor shall be [three hundred fifteen] two hundred dollars.

The application fee for a professional counselor associate shall be [two hundred twenty] one hundred twenty-five dollars.

(b) Licenses issued to professional counselors and professional counselor associates under this section may be renewed annually pursuant to section 19a-88.

The fee for such renewal shall be [one] two hundred [ninety-five] dollars for a professional counselor and one hundred twenty-five dollars for aprofessional counselor associate.

Each licensed professional counselor and professional counselor associate applying for license renewal shall furnish evidence satisfactory to the commissioner ofhaving participatedincontinuing educationprograms.

The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to (1) define basic requirements for continuing education programs that shall include (A) not less than one contact hour of training or education each registration period on the topic of cultural competency, (B) on and after January 1, 2016, not less than two contact hours of training or education during the first renewal period in which continuing education is required and not less than once every six years thereafter on the topic of mental health conditions common to veterans and family members of veterans, including (i) determining whether a patient is a veteran or family member of a veteran, (ii) screening for conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, risk of suicide, depression and grief, and (iii) suicide prevention training, and (C) on and after January 1, 2018, not less than three contact hours of training or education each registration period onthe topicof professional ethics, (2) delineate qualifying programs, (3) establish a system of control and reporting, and (4) provide for a waiver of the continuing education requirement for good cause.

Section 24 of public act 22-81 is repealed and the following is LCOsubstituted 4301in {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-000018lieu ofthereof 22(Effective R03-SB.docxfrom }passage): Committee Bill No.

2Public substitutedAct inNo. lieu thereof (Effective from passage):

(a)23-101 There23 is established a task force to continue to study the comprehensive needs of children35 inSenate theBill stateNo. and the extent to which such needs are being met by educators, community members and local and state agencies.

The2 task(a) forceThere shallis (1)established addressa subdivisionstask (1)force to (6),continue inclusive, of subsection (a) of section 30 of public act 21-46, (2) provide recommendations to meetstudy the demandcomprehensive forneeds infantof andchildren toddler care in the state by increasing access to and enrollmentthe inextent child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes, and identify resources to assistwhich such centersneeds andare homesbeing inmet meetingby sucheducators, demand,community [and]members (3) study the feasibility of adjusting school start times to improve students' mental and physicallocal well-being, and (4)state reviewagencies. and analyze the efficacy of those programs designed to assist and support theneedsofchildrenandtheirfamiliesthathavereceivedandexpended federal funds received pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, P.L.

The task force shall (1) address subdivisions (1) to (6), inclusive, of subsection (a) of section 30 of public act 21-46, (2) provide recommendations to meet the demand for infant and toddler care in the state by increasing access to and enrollment in child care centers, group child care homes and family child care homes, and identify resources to assist such centers and homes in meeting such demand, [and] (3) study the feasibility of adjusting school start times to improve students' mental and physical well-being, (4) review and analyze the efficacy of those programs designed to assist and support theneedsofchildrenandtheirfamiliesthathavereceivedandexpended federal funds received pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, P.L.

117-2, as amended from time to time, and, based on such analysis, make recommendations about which of those programs should receive a more permanent funding structure from the state.state, and (5) conduct a needs assessment for children that identifies gaps between existing conditions and desired outcomes, and the extent to which such gaps are attributable to the result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a focus on children and individuals who were enrolled in high school in the state and were members of the classes graduating from 2020 to 2023, inclusive.

(b)As Theused taskin forcethis shallsection, consist"COVID-19" ofmeans thetherespiratory membersdisease appointeddesignatedby totheWorldHealthOrganizationon theFebruary11,2020,ascoronavirus2019,andanyrelatedmutationthereof taskrecognized forceby to study the comprehensiveWorld needsHealth ofOrganization childrenas pursuant to subsection(b)of section30 ofpublicact 21-46, except that ifany member declines such appointment, a newcommunicable appointeerespiratory shalldisease. be selected by the appointing authority pursuant to said subsection.

(b) The task force shall consist of the members appointed to the task force to study the comprehensive needs of children pursuant to Public Act No.

23-101 24 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 subsection(b)of section30ofpublicact 21-46, except that ifany member declines such appointment, a new appointee shall be selected by the appointing authority pursuant to said subsection.

(d) All initial appointments to the task force shall be made not later thanthirty daysafter theeffectivethe effective date ofthis section.Any vacancy shall LCObe 4301filled {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-0019by the appointing authority not later than thirty days after the vacancy occurs.If a vacancy is not filledby the appointing authority,the chairpersons of 22the R03-SB.docxtask }force Committeemay Billfill No.such vacancy.

2 be filled by the appointing authority not later than thirty days after the vacancy occurs.If a vacancy is not filledby the appointing authority,the chairpersons of the task force may fill such vacancy.

Such chairpersons shall schedule thefirst meeting ofthe task force, whichshallwhich shall beheld not later thansixty days after the effective date of this section.

(g) Not later than January 1, 2023, and January 1, 2024,[2024] 2025, the task force shall update the report issued pursuant to subsection (g) of section 30 of public act 21-46, and submit such updated report and any additional findings and recommendations to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a of the general statutes.

The task force shall terminate on the date that it submits such report or January[January 1, 2024,2024] July 1, 2025, whichever is later.

(Effective July 1, 2023) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the Department of Social Services shall hire temporary and part-time employeesPublic whoAct willNo. be responsible for collaborating with nonprofit organizations to identify and enroll eligible children in the HUSKY Health program.

23-101 25 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 employees who will be responsible for collaborating with nonprofit organizations to identify and enroll eligible children in the HUSKY Health program.

(Effective July 1, 2023) For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, the Department of Education shall hireaward one full-time employee who will be responsible for awarding a grant to and collaborating with a nonprofit organization that specializes in identifying and providing services for at-risk teenage students who are experiencing depression, anxiety, substance abuse struggles and trauma and conflict-relatedconflict- related stresses, for the purpose of training school behavioral health providers LCOto 4301be {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-000020able ofto 22identify R03-SB.docxand }provide Committeeservices Billfor No.such at-risk teenage students.

2The todepartment bemay, ablewithin toavailable identifyappropriations, andhire provideone servicesfull-time employee who will be responsible for suchimplementing at-riskthe teenageprovisions students.of this section.

(EffectiveSubparagraph(A)ofsubdivision from(2)of passage)section46b-129a The sum of onethe hundredgeneral fiftystatutes thousand dollars is allocated,repealed inand accordance with the provisionsfollowing ofis specialsubstituted actin 21-lieu 1,thereof from(Effective theOctober federal1, funds2023): designated for the state pursuant to the provisionsofSection602ofSubtitleMofTitleIXoftheAmericanRescue Plan Act of 2021, P.L.

117-2,(2) as(A) amendedA fromchild timeshall tobe time,represented toby thecounsel Departmentknowledgeable ofabout Socialrepresenting Services,such forchildren thewho fiscalshall yearbe endingassigned Juneto 30,represent 2024,the forchild by the purposeoffice of hiringChief temporaryPublic andDefender, part-timeor employeesappointed whoby willthe becourt responsibleif forthere collaboratingis withan nonprofitimmediate organizationsneed tofor identify and enroll eligible children in the HUSKYappointment Health program, in accordance with the provisions of sectioncounsel 16during ofa thiscourt act.proceeding.

Such assignment or appointment shall continue for the duration of any such proceeding under section 46b-129, notwithstanding such child's attainment of eighteen years of age.

If the child's parent or guardian has been accused by a competent witness of abusing the child, or of causing the child to be neglected or uncared for, upon the assignment or appointment of counsel, such counsel shall be granted immediate access to (i) records relating to the child, including, but not limited to, Department of Social Services records and medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment, law enforcement and educational records, without the necessity of securing further releases, and (ii) the child, for the purpose of consulting with the child privately.

Public Act No.

23-101 26 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 The court shall give the parties prior notice of such assignment or appointment.

Counsel for the child shall act solely as attorney for the child.

(Effective Julyfrom 1,passage) 2023)(a) The sumCommission ofon fifteenWomen, thousandChildren, dollarsSeniors, isEquity appropriatedand Opportunity, established pursuant to thesection Department2-127 of Educationthe fromgeneral thestatutes, Generalshall, Fund,in forcollaboration with the fiscalSocial yearand endingEmotional JuneLearning 30,and 2024,School forClimate theAdvisory purposeCollaborative, established pursuant to section 10-222q of awardingthe ageneral grantstatutes, toas aamended nonprofitby organizationthis describedact, inand sectionone 17or more community-based bereavement and griefcounseling resource centers serving childrenand families, conduct a study of thiscommunity-based act,bereavement and grief counseling organizations and services for children and families to determine the training(1) extent and availability of schoolsuch behavioralorganizations healthand providersservices tostate-wide, identifyand (2) feasibility of and providerecommendations servicesfor implementation of a state-wide program for at-riskthe teenagedelivery studentsof whosuch areservices experiencingat depression,anxiety,substanceabuseno struggles,andtraumaandconflict-cost relatedto stresses.participants.

ThisSuch actrecommendations shall takeinclude, effectbut asneed followsnot be limited to, the types of services the program should provide, eligibility criteria for children and shallfamilies amendto access such services, the followingoptimal sections:geographic distribution of such services and opportunities to utilize gifts, grants or donations from private sources and any available federal funding to fund such program in whole or in part.

Section(b) 1Not Julylater than January 1, 20232024, Newthe Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity shall submit a report, in accordance with the provisions of section Sec.11-4a of the general statutes, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children.

2Such Julyreport 1,shall 2023include 11-24athe Sec.findings of the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and any legislative recommendations for the implementation of a state-wide program for the delivery of bereavement and grief counseling services for children and families.

3Public JulyAct 1,No. 2023 11-24b Sec.

423-101 July27 1,of 202335 17a-248g(h)Senate Sec.Bill No.

5 July 1, 2023 17a-248 Sec.

6 July 1, 2023 17a-248e(b) Sec.

7 July 1, 2023 New section Sec.

8 October 1, 2023 31-57r Sec.

9 October 1, 2023 31-57t(a) July 1, 2023 Sec.

10 New section Sec.

11 July 1, 2023 New section LCO 4301 {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-00002-21 of 22 R03-SB.docx } Committee Bill No.

1220. July 1, 2023 New section Sec.

13(NEW) (Effective July 1, 20232024) 20-195o(a)(a) Sec.As used in this section:

14(1) July"Free 1,play" 2023means 19a-88(e)(1)unstructured, voluntary, child-initiated activities that are performed by a child for self-amusement and (2)have Sec.behavioral, social and psychomotor rewards, except "free play" may be structured to promote activities that are child-directed, joyful and spontaneous.

15(2) from"Guided passageplay" PAmeans 22-81,learning Sec.experiences that combine the child- directed nature of free play with a focus on learning outcomes and adult guidance.

24(3) Sec."Play-based learning" means a pedagogical approach that emphasizes play in promoting learning and includes developmentally appropriate strategies that can be integrated with existing learning standards.

16"Play-based Julylearning" 1,does 2023not Newmean sectiontime Sec.spent in recess or as part of a physical education course or instruction.

17(4) July"Recess" 1,means 2023the Newtime during the regular school day for each student enrolled in elementary school that is devoted to physical exercise of not less than twenty minutes in total pursuant to section from10- passage221o Sec.of the general statutes.

18(5) New"Mobile electronic device" has the same meaning as provided in section Sec.10-222d of the general statutes.

19(6) July"Instructional 1,time" 2023means Newthe sectiontime KIDof Jointactual Favorableschool APPwork Jointduring Favorablea LCOregular 4301school {\\PRDFS1\SCOUSERS\FORZANOF\WS\2023SB-00002-day. 22 of 22 R03-SB.docx }

(b) Each local and regional board of education shall provide for play- based learning during the instructional time of each regular school day for all students in kindergarten and any preschool program offered by the board.

Such play-based learning shall (1) be incorporated and integrated into daily practice, (2) allow for the needs of such students to be met through free play, guided play and games, and (3) be Public Act No.

23-101 28 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 predominantly free of the use of mobile electronic devices.

(c) Each local and regional board of education shall permit a teacher to utilize play-based learning during the instructional time of a regular school day for all students in grades one to five, inclusive.

Such play- based learning (1) may be incorporated and integrated into daily practice, (2) shall allow for the needs of such students to be met through free play, guided play and games, and (3) shall be predominantly free of the use of mobile electronic devices.

(d) Any play-based learning utilized under this section shall comply with the individualized education program or plan pursuant to Section of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended from time to time, for any student.

(e) A school employee may only prevent or otherwise restrict a student's participation in play-based learning if such prevention or restriction is in accordance with the policy developed by the local or regional board of education pursuant to section 10-221o of the general statutes.

Sec.

21.

(NEW) (Effective July 1, 2023) (a) There is established an advisory committee to the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate which shall meet four times a year with the Behavioral Health Advocate and the staff of the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate to review and assess the performance of the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate.

The advisory committee shall consist of seven members appointed one each by the president pro tempore of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the majority leader of the Senate,themajorityleaderoftheHouseofRepresentatives,theminority leader ofthe Senate, the minority leader of theHouse of Representatives and the Governor.

Each member of the advisory committee shall serve a term of five years and may be reappointed at the conclusion of that term.

All initial appointments to the advisory committee shall be made Public Act No.

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2 not later than October 1, 2023.

(b) The advisory committee shall make an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of the Office of the Behavioral Health Advocate and shall submit the evaluation to the Governor and the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to public health and insurance not later than January 1, 2025, and annually thereafter.

Sec.

22.

Section 17a-215d of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):

(a) There is established the Autism Spectrum Disorder Advisory Council.

The council shall consist of the following members:

(1) The Commissioner of Social Services, or the commissioner's designee;

(2) the Commissioner of Children and Families, or the commissioner's designee;

(3) the Commissioner of Education, or the commissioner's designee;

(4) the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services, or the commissioner's designee;

(5) the Commissioner of Public Health, or the commissioner's designee;

(6) the Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services, or the commissioner's designee;

(7) the Commissioner of Developmental Services, or the commissioner's designee;

(8) the Commissioner of Early Childhood, or the commissioner's designee;

(9) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee;

(10) two persons with autism spectrumdisorder,oneeachappointedbytheGovernorandthespeaker of the House of Representatives;

(11) two persons who are parents or guardians of a child with autism spectrum disorder,one each appointed by the Governor and the minority leader of the Senate;

(12) two persons who are parents or guardians of an adult with autism spectrum disorder, one each appointed by the president pro tempore of theSenate and the majority leader of the House of Representatives;

(13) two persons who are advocates for persons with autism spectrum disorder, one each appointed by the Governor and the speaker of the House of Public Act No.

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2 Representatives;

(14) two persons who are licensed professionals working in the field of autism spectrum disorder, one each appointed by the Governor and the majority leader of the Senate;

(15) two persons who provide services for persons with autism spectrum disorder, one each appointed by the Governor and the minority leader of the House of Representatives;

(16) two persons who shall be representatives of an institution of higher education in the state with experience in the field of autism spectrum disorder, one each appointed by the Governor and the president pro tempore of the Senate;

(17) the executive director of the nonprofit entity designated by the Governor in accordance with section 46a-10b to serve as the Connecticut protection and advocacy system, or the executive director's designee;

and (18) one person who is a physician who treats or diagnoses persons with autism spectrum disorder, appointed by the Governor.

(b) The council shall have three chairpersons who shall be elected by the members of the council, provided not less than two of the persons elected as chairpersons by the members of the council shall be:

(1) A person with autism spectrum disorder appointed pursuant to subdivision (10) of subsection (a) of this section, (2) a parent or guardian of a child with autism spectrum disorder appointed pursuant to subdivision (11) of subsection (a) of this section, or (3) a parent or guardian of an adult with autism spectrum disorder appointed pursuant to subdivision (12) of subsection (a) of this section.

The council shall make rules for the conduct of its affairs.

The council shall meet not less than four times per year and at such other times as requested by the chairpersons.

Council members shall serve without compensation.

(c) (1) The council shall advise the Commissioner of Social Services concerning:

[(1)] (A) Policies and programs for persons with autism spectrum disorder;

[(2)] (B) services provided by the Department of Social Services' Division of Autism Spectrum Disorder Services;

and [(3)] (C) implementation of the recommendations resulting from the Public Act No.

23-101 31 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 autism feasibility study.

(2) The council may (A) make recommendations to the commissioner for policy andprogramchangesto improve support servicesfor persons with autism spectrum disorder;

(B) identify strategies and methods of improvingoutreachandcoordinationofservicesassociatedwithautism spectrum disorders for racial minority group members;

and (C) identify and recommend updates to existing state guidelines for early screening and intervention for autism spectrum disorders, including, but not limited to, revisions to best practice protocols to include developmental screening for children three years of age and younger.

Sec.

23.

Section 10-222q of the general statutes is repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective July 1, 2023):

(a) There is established a social and emotional learning and school climate advisory collaborative.

The collaborative shall (1) collect information concerning the school climate improvement efforts of local and regional boards of education, (2) document any needs articulated by local and regional boards of education for technical assistance and training relating to fostering positive school climates, (3) identify best practices for promoting positive school climates, (4) direct resources to support state-wide and local initiatives on issues relating to fostering and improving positive school climates and improving access to social and emotional learning in schools, (5) develop an assessment for screening students in grades three to twelve, inclusive, to determine whethersuchstudentsareatriskforsuicide,(6)developabiennialstate- wide school climate survey, as described in subsection (c) of section 2 of public act 19-166, (7) develop a model positive school climate policy, as described in subsection (a) of section 2 of public act 19-166, (8) develop a plain language explanation of the rights and remedies available under sections 10-4a and 10-4b for distribution to parents and guardians pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (c) of section 10-222d, and provide such explanation to each local and regional board of education Public Act No.

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2 not later than January 1, 2021, and (9) perform other functions concerning social and emotional learning and fostering positive school climates.

(b) The collaborative shall consist of the following members:

(1) Five appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, one of whom is a member of the Juvenile Justice Policy and Oversight Committee, established pursuant to section 46b-121n;

one of whom is a representative of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education;

one of whom is a school administrator with experience in district-level, equity-focused and cross-disciplinary social and emotional learning;

one of whom is a representative of an organization that provides free or reduced-cost legal services;

and one of whom is a representative of Connecticut Parent Power;

(2) Five appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, one of whom is a representative of the Connecticut Association of Schools;

one of whom is a representative of the Connecticut Association of School Administrators;

one of whom is a representative of the Social Emotional Learning Alliance for Connecticut;

one of whom is a representative of the Connecticut School Counselor Association;

and one of whom is a representative of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents;

(3) Three appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, one of whom is a representative of Special Education Equity for Kids of Connecticut;

one of whom is a representative of the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center;

and one of whom is a representative of African Caribbean American Parents of Children with Disabilities, Inc.;

(4)Threeappointedby themajorityleaderoftheSenate,oneofwhom is a representative of the Center for Children's Advocacy;

one of whom Public Act No.

23-101 33 of 35 Senate Bill No.

2 isa representative oftheYaleCenter for EmotionalIntelligence;

andone of whom is a representative of the Neag School of Education at The University of Connecticut;

(5) Three appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, one of whom is a representative of the American Federation of Teachers-Connecticut;

one of whom is a representative of the Center for Social and Emotional Learning at Central Connecticut State University;

andoneofwhomis arepresentative oftheConnecticut Parent Teacher Association;

(6) Three appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, one of whom is a representative of the Connecticut Education Association;

one of whom is a representative of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Connecticut;

and one of whom is a representative of the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board established pursuant to section 17a-52;

(7) The Commissioner of Education, or the commissioner's designee;

(8) The chairpersons and ranking members of the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children and education;

(9) The Child Advocate, or the Child Advocate's designee;

and (10) The executive director of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, or the executive director's designee.

(c) All appointments to the collaborative shall be made not later than thirty days after the effective date of this section.

Any vacancy shall be filled by the appointing authority.

(d) The cochairpersons of the collaborative shall be the executive director of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity, or the executive director's designee, and a cochairperson Public Act No.

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2 elected from among the members.

The first meeting of the collaborative shall be held not later than sixty days after the effective date of this section.

(e) The collaborative may designate subcommittees and advisory groups to carry out its functions, provided any subcommittees so designated shall be comprised of members of the collaborative.

(f) The staff of the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity shall serve as administrative staff of the collaborative.

(g) Not later than January 1, 2021, and annually thereafter, the collaborative shall submit a report concerning (1) its efforts to (A) monitor the school climate improvement efforts of local and regional boards of education, (B) document needs articulated by local and regional boards of education for technical assistance and training relating to fostering positive school climates, (C) identify best practices for promoting positive school climates, and (D) direct resources to support state-wide and local initiatives on issues relating to fostering and improving positive school climates and improving access to social and emotional learning, and (2) any recommendations, including recommendations concerning ways in which to promote the social and emotional development of young children, ages birth to five, inclusive, covered under the state Medicaid program, by identifying age-appropriate methods of screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and moreto the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to children and education, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a.

Approved June 26, 2023 Public Act No.

23-101 35 of 35