Bill Summary: Raised Bill No. 1074

• Department of Public Health must create and implement a criminal history and sexual offender registry search program by January 1, 2024, including state/national criminal checks, National Sex Offender Public Website searches, and Connecticut sexual offender registry checks.

• Long-term care facilities (nursing homes, residential care homes, and managed residential communities) must require all prospective residents to undergo background searches prior to admission, effective January 1, 2024, with limited exceptions for recent prior searches, justice-involved population facilities, and hospital transfers.

• Department of Public Health must review all background search reports and notify applicants and facilities of any disqualifying offenses, allowing applicants 30 days to request a waiver based on mitigating circumstances including inaccuracy, lack of relationship to residency, rehabilitation evidence, or substantial time elapsed.

• Facilities cannot admit residents with disqualifying offenses unless a waiver is granted, but may conditionally admit residents for up to 60 days (extendable during waiver review) if the background check process has begun and constant supervision is maintained during the conditional period.

• Background search records are confidential and exempt from public disclosure; the Commissioner of Public Health may implement policies and procedures while formal regulations are being adopted.