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HB 6838 Connecticut House · 2025 Regular Session

AN ACT CONCERNING ACCESS TO SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT FACILITIES.

HB 6838 prohibits substance use disorder treatment facilities from requiring applicants to be intoxicated or test positive for illegal drugs or opioids at the time of admission. This directly affects individuals seeking treatment by removing a barrier that previously prevented people from accessing care while actively using substances. The bill amends state law to ensure facilities cannot deny admission based on current drug use, making treatment more accessible during critical moments. It takes effect July 1, 2025, and aligns with broader efforts to reduce barriers to addiction care. The fiscal note indicates this change may increase state costs if more individuals qualify for admission.
Issues: ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves barriers to substance use treatment, enhancing rehabilitation access - a key criminal justice reform strategy to reduce recidivism and address root causes of criminal behavior.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes barriers to substance use disorder treatment access by prohibiting denial based on current drug use, directly improving patient access to care per mental health/addiction services.95% confidence
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 29, 2025 Last action Feb 25, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → PH Joint Favorable Substitute · 3 edits
MINOR
This bill was amended to change its core purpose from allowing access to treatment when not intoxicated to requiring intoxication as an admission criterion. The amendment also adds a provision allowing emergency treatment commitment without requiring the person to be intoxicated at the time of application if a physician determines immediate medical need exists.
Scope change
The bill's scope was fundamentally reversed - it now requires facilities to accept intoxicated individuals rather than allowing them to refuse admission based on intoxication status.
REQUIREMENT

Changed Section 2 from prohibiting facilities from refusing admission to intoxicated individuals to requiring facilities to accept intoxication as an admission criterion.

ELIGIBILITY

Added language allowing emergency treatment commitment without intoxication requirement if a physician determines immediate need for detoxification treatment.

PURPOSE

Changed the statement of purpose from allowing access when not intoxicated to no longer reflecting that original intent.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
9
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Feb 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Joint Favorable Substitute
lower
Jan 29, 2025
Committee
REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

No sponsor information available.