CT SB01158

Splits the Department of Aging and Disability Services into two separate entities effective July 1, 2026: a new Department on Aging (headed by a Commissioner on Aging appointed by the Governor) and a renamed Department of Disability Services retaining responsibility for services to persons who are deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing; blind or visually impaired; and vocational rehabilitation services.

Defines "older person" as age 62 or older and designates the Department on Aging as the State Unit on Aging under the federal Older Americans Act of 1965, with responsibility for overall planning, development, and administration of a comprehensive social service delivery system for older persons.

Transfers to the Department on Aging administration of key programs including elderly nutritional services, the CHOICES health insurance assistance program, the Fall Prevention Program, the Alzheimer's respite care program, the Aging and Disability Resource Center Program (serving persons 60+ and persons 18+ with disabilities), and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman's Office.

Maintains five elderly planning and service areas with area agencies on aging under the Department on Aging, with 60% of state elderly nutrition/social services funds allocated proportionally to federal allocations and 40% at the Commissioner on Aging's discretion based on need.

Authorizes the Governor to transfer funds between the two new departments with Finance Advisory Committee approval during the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, and provides that existing orders and regulations of the former department continue in force until amended, repealed, or superseded.

Allows both new commissioners to implement interim policies and procedures while formally adopting regulations, provided notice is posted on the department website and eRegulations System within 20 days of implementation.

Adds the Commissioner on Aging as a member of multiple interagency bodies, including the Governor's Workforce Council, the Medicaid Council, the Alcohol and Drug Policy Council, and the Connecticut Homecare Option Program advisory committee, while maintaining the Commissioner of Disability Services on relevant boards and councils.

Amends 111 sections across Connecticut General Statutes spanning housing, elections, education, special education, tax credits, motor vehicles, library services, insurance, workers' compensation, consumer protection, and other policy areas to replace references to the Department of Aging and Disability Services with the appropriate successor department.

Retains within the Department of Disability Services specific authorities including assistive technology loans (up to 10 years at no more than 6% interest, with up to $1 million in bonding authority), wheelchair purchases up to $20,000 per unit, adaptive equipment purchases up to $120,000 per unit, the driver training unit for persons with disabilities, and the Bureau of Services for Persons Who are Deaf, Deafblind or Hard of Hearing.

Transfers coordination of municipal agents for elderly persons to the Department on Aging, which must maintain a directory with contact information for each agent and post it on the department's website.