CT SB00156

Establishes a task force to study Connecticut's voluntary infant surrender (Safe Haven) program under section 17a-58, analyzing existing statutes, Department of Children and Families policies, and hospital emergency room procedures

Task force must examine how current provisions, policies, and procedures may create or perpetuate racial, ethnic, health, economic, and socioeconomic disparities among parents who voluntarily surrender infants

Nine-member task force includes appointees with expertise in public health policy, child welfare policy, social equity, a hospital employee designated to receive surrendered infants, a parent who surrendered an infant, an attorney experienced in related termination of parental rights cases, plus representatives from DCF and DPH

All appointments must be made within 30 days of passage, with the first meeting held within 60 days; the Speaker and Senate President Pro Tempore select co-chairs from among the members

Task force must submit findings and recommendations to the General Assembly's children's committee by May 1, 2027, at which point it terminates