SB 817 Summary

• Repeals and replaces Section 7-127b to establish municipal agents for elderly persons who must be staff members of senior centers, members of agencies serving elderly persons, or responsible residents with demonstrated interest in aging.

• Municipal agents serve two or four-year terms and have duties including disseminating information about community resources, assisting elderly persons with federal benefits applications, and reporting needs to local officials and the Department of Aging and Disability Services.

• Authorizes municipalities and private organizations to establish multipurpose senior centers offering nutrition services, health programs, employment assistance, intergenerational initiatives, public benefits counseling, socialization, transportation, peer counseling, financial counseling, arts and recreation, and case management.

• Establishes a state-wide senior center working group to develop coordinated plans for senior center development, evaluate service standards, coordinate with five area agencies on aging, and submit findings to legislative committees by January 1, 2023.

• Amends Section 54-261 to require the Court Support Services Division to develop a community response education program addressing sexual assault prevention for neighborhoods, senior centers, and other senior citizen facilities, including resources for education and crime prevention strategies.