CT HB05433

Establishes a Behavioral and Mental Health Policy and Oversight Committee to evaluate prevention, early intervention, and mental health treatment services for children from birth to age eighteen and make recommendations to the General Assembly and executive agencies.

Committee composition includes chairpersons and ranking members of relevant legislative committees, members appointed by House and Senate leadership (including mental health providers, advocacy groups, children's hospitals, and families affected by mental health disorders), state commissioners and agency heads, and representatives from administrative services organizations serving HUSKY Health recipients.

Committee must hold first meeting no later than 60 days after May 4, 2022, with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and a jointly-selected General Assembly member serving as co-chairpersons; members serve without compensation except for necessary expenses.

Committee must submit comprehensive report by January 1, 2023, addressing statutory and budgetary changes, service gaps, quality assurance frameworks, governance structure, disparities in access for children of color and children with developmental disabilities, and school-based collaboration opportunities.

Committee must develop strategic plan with short, medium, and long-term goals and report implementation progress by August 1, 2023; shall include two or more subcommittees examining workforce issues, school-based health, prevention, and acute care delivery.