ConnecticutHB 055152026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION SERVICES' RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING ACCESS TO OPIOID OVERDOSE REVERSAL MEDICATION AND VARIOUS REVISIONS TO MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION STATUTES.

Sponsored By: Public Health Committee

Signed by Governor

Summary

To remove barriers to access opioid antagonists.

public health

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

More overdose help in schools

Beginning July 1, 2026, schools can keep and give prescription opioid-reversal medicine to students during an overdose. A trained school employee can give it even when a nurse is present. When no nurse is at school during regular hours, a trained employee must be on site. A person who gives nonprescription opioid-reversal medicine at school is protected from damages for ordinary negligence, but not gross, willful, or wanton negligence.

More public access to overdose medicine

Since May 27, 2026, anyone can provide nonprescription opioid-reversal medicine to help treat or prevent an overdose. The law protects distributors from liability and criminal prosecution for its distribution or use. People who distribute it to the public for free do not need the specified permit.

Counselors after mass shootings

Since May 27, 2026, state officials must coordinate grief counselors and mental health professionals after a mass shooting. They support family members and others closely associated with a victim. Counselors are sent to nearby community outreach groups and to schools or colleges where a victim or perpetrator was enrolled.

Regional review of mental health grants

Beginning October 1, 2026, a regional behavioral health group must review mental health funding applications and recommend action to the state. Hospitals, towns, and nonprofits can apply for funds to start, expand, or maintain services. The law does not promise an award or set an amount.

Repeal of an unclear mental health rule

Beginning October 1, 2026, Connecticut repeals section 17a-483. The available description does not say what that section covers or explain how the repeal affects people or services.

New rules for mental health boards

Covered state-run facilities must appoint at least two people with behavioral health experience to their advisory boards. The law removes rules on board terms, vacancies, and term limits. It also ends requirements that at least one-third of members come from regional behavioral health groups and at least one-third from catchment area councils. Two named facility boards are excluded.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Public Health Committee

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

  • Chris Stewart

    Republican • House

  • Cristin McCarthy Vahey

    Democratic • House

  • Karen Reddington-Hughes

    Republican • House

  • Nicole Klarides-Ditria

    Republican • House

  • Saud Anwar

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tina Courpas

    Republican • House

  • Tom Delnicki

    Republican • House

  • Tom O'Dea

    Republican • House

  • Tony Hwang

    Republican • Senate

  • William Pizzuto

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/23/2026

Senate Roll Call Vote 271

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 3/23/2026

PH Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 3/23/2026

House Roll Call Vote 139 AS AMENDED

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by the Governor

    5/27/2026legislature
  2. Transmitted by Secretary of the State to Governor

    5/15/2026legislature
  3. Transmitted to the Secretary of State

    5/15/2026legislature
  4. Public Act 26-38

    5/14/2026legislature
  5. On Consent Calendar / In Concurrence

    5/4/2026legislature
  6. Senate Passed as Amended by House Amendment Schedule A

    5/4/2026Senate
  7. Senate Adopted House Amendment Schedule A

    5/4/2026Senate
  8. File Number 752

    4/30/2026legislature
  9. Senate Calendar Number 492

    4/30/2026Senate
  10. Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, Senate

    4/30/2026Senate
  11. Immediate Transmittal to the Senate

    4/29/2026Senate
  12. House Passed as Amended by House Amendment Schedule A

    4/29/2026House
  13. House Adopted House Amendment Schedule A 4517

    4/29/2026House
  14. File Number 541

    4/9/2026legislature
  15. House Calendar Number 360

    4/9/2026House
  16. Favorable Report, Tabled for the Calendar, House

    4/9/2026House
  17. Reported Out of Legislative Commissioners' Office

    4/9/2026legislature
  18. Referred to Office of Legislative Research and Office of Fiscal Analysis 04/08/26 5:00 PM

    4/2/2026legislature
  19. Filed with Legislative Commissioners' Office

    3/24/2026legislature
  20. Joint Favorable Substitute

    3/23/2026legislature
  21. Public Hearing 03/13

    3/9/2026legislature
  22. Referred to Joint Committee on Public Health

    3/5/2026legislature

Bill Text

  • Public Act No. 26-38

    5/14/2026

  • File No. 752

    4/30/2026

  • File No. 541

    4/9/2026

  • PH Joint Favorable Substitute

    3/23/2026

  • Raised Bill

    3/5/2026

  • Bill Analysis For File Copy 541

  • Bill Analysis For File Copy 752

  • Bill Analysis for HB-5515, as amended by House "A"

  • Fiscal Note For File Copy 541

  • Fiscal Note For File Copy 752

  • Fiscal Note for Amendment LCO 4517 (No Fiscal Impact)

  • Fiscal Note for HB-5515, As Amended by House "A" (LCO 4517)

  • House Roll Call Vote 139 AS AMENDED

  • House Schedule A LCO# 4517 (D)

  • PH Joint Fav. Rpt

  • PH Vote Tally Sheet (Joint Favorable Substitute)

  • Senate Roll Call Vote 271

  • Summary for Public Act No. 26-38

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