SB 1285 Connecticut Senate · 2025 Regular Session

AN ACT ESTABLISHING AN OVERDOSE PREVENTION CENTER PILOT PROGRAM.

This bill establishes a pilot program for overdose prevention centers in four Connecticut municipalities. These centers would allow people with substance use disorders to safely consume drugs under medical supervision while receiving counseling, drug testing strips, referrals to treatment, and basic services like showers. Municipalities must approve locations, and centers must employ licensed health providers who cannot face disciplinary action for participating. The program includes an advisory committee to address operational issues like needle disposal and legal protections for staff and participants.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Sub-Topics: Substance Abuse

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 11, 2025 Last action Apr 9, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → PH Joint Favorable Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to change from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill' with several substantive policy modifications. The most significant changes involve shifting from mandatory language to permissive language regarding the establishment of overdose prevention centers and advisory committees, adding new requirements for recovery support programs, and clarifying the advisory committee's composition and authority.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded to include new requirements for recovery support programs and clarified the advisory committee's role in making recommendations rather than establishing the committee on a fixed schedule.

TIMELINE

Removed the July 1, 2026 deadline for establishing the pilot program, changing the language from 'shall establish' to 'may establish', giving the Department more flexibility in timing.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the advisory committee establishment from a mandatory January 1, 2026 deadline to a conditional requirement, allowing the Commissioner to establish the committee if deemed necessary.

Added a new requirement for overdose prevention centers to provide programs supporting participants in their recovery from substance use disorders.

Changed the regulatory authority language from 'shall adopt regulations' to 'may adopt regulations', giving the Commissioner discretion in rulemaking.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition for 'test strip' to clarify what products can be used to test substances for overdose risk components.

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Full legislative history

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Committee

Mar 21, 2025

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

upper

Feb 11, 2025

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Public Health

upper

29 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

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Legislator

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State

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