Bill > HB06951

This bill establishes two key initiatives related to children's behavioral health services. First, it requires the Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee to conduct a comprehensive study examining existing behavioral health services for children, which includes analyzing utilization rates of various support services like the United Way 2-1-1 Infoline, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (9-8-8), mobile crisis intervention services, urgent crisis centers, and hospital emergency departments. The study will also explore outreach strategies, patient referral sources, resource allocation, and future service demand. By January 1, 2026, the committee must submit a detailed report to legislative committees with data analysis and recommendations for improving children's behavioral health services. Second, the bill directs the same committee to collaborate with a statewide school-based health center association and the Commissioner of Public Health to develop a survey and reporting requirements focused on understanding current data collection practices and challenges at school-based health centers. The committee may hire a consultant to help develop the survey, and must submit a report by January 1, 2026, detailing the survey and reporting requirements. Additionally, the bill appropriates $8.6 million over fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to the Department of Children and Families specifically for mobile crisis intervention services, demonstrating a commitment to supporting children's mental health infrastructure.

Budget and Finance, Education

Committee on Children

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB06951&which_year=2025