CT SB00401

Commissioner of Social Services must develop a plan by October 1, 2026 for a state-funded bridge program providing medical assistance, nutrition assistance, supportive housing, and employment assistance to vulnerable persons losing federal benefits due to new work requirements under P.L. 119-21 and HUD regulation changes

Vulnerable persons defined as veterans, homeless individuals, adults with autism spectrum disorder, young adults aging out of foster care, and persons age 55-64 at risk of losing Medicaid, SNAP, and permanent supportive housing benefits

Program must supplement existing employment services including Bureau of Rehabilitation Services programs, Jobs First Employment Services, and Labor Department programs to help recipients meet federal work requirements

Plan must include long-term housing solutions with an inventory of state-owned property suitable for renovation and repurposing, plus uniform documentation of employability for potential federal waiver requests

Commissioner must submit the bridge program plan with cost calculations and implementation timeline to legislative committees on appropriations, human services, housing, and labor by January 1, 2027