HB 5447 Connecticut House · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TRANSFORMING CHILDREN'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH POLICY AND PLANNING COMMITTEE.

This bill directs state officials to establish working groups focused on eating disorder treatment and food insecurity, requiring them to compile public resources and develop best practice guidelines by July 2026. It also mandates a feasibility study for a new inpatient psychiatric facility serving children and young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities, with results due by January 2027. Additionally, the bill increases Temporary Family Assistance benefits to at least 55% of the federal poverty level and requires annual cost-of-living adjustments tied to consumer price index increases when funding lapses.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

House Passage

May 2026

Senate Passage

May 2026

Signed into Law

May 2026

Introduced Mar 4, 2026 Signed May 19, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Raised Bill → APP Joint Favorable Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renamed to reflect its status as a substitute version. The core policy changes include shifting the focus of the eating disorder working group from studying food insecurity to developing a food education roadmap and nutrition curriculum. Additionally, the deadline for reporting the results of the food-related working group was extended from July 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028, and the reporting committee was expanded to include education officials.

Scope change

The scope of the food insecurity study was broadened to include a comprehensive food education roadmap and nutrition curriculum, and the oversight committee now includes education representatives.

REQUIREMENT

The mandate for the eating disorder working group changed from studying food insecurity to developing a state-wide food education roadmap and model school nutrition curriculum.

The reporting committee for food education results was expanded to include chairpersons with cognizance of education matters.

TIMELINE

The deadline for the executive director to report on food education and nutrition initiatives was extended from July 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028.

DEFINITION

The term 'holistic diet' was removed from the statute, and the focus shifted to 'food education and nutrition' in the review requirements.

TECHNICAL

The bill title was updated from 'Raised Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' to reflect its legislative status.

Floor votes · Senate May 6, 2026 · House May 1, 2026

How they voted

36–0

Passed

Total votes 36

May 6, 2026

D Democratic25

25 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican11

11 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

May 19, 2026

Signed into law

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

lower

May 6, 2026

Senate · Passed

Senate Vote: pass (36-0)

senate

May 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

SEN. PASSED, HO. AMEND. SCH. A

upper

May 5, 2026

Upper · Passed

SEN. ADOPTED HO. AMEND. SCH. A

upper

May 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

HOUSE PASSED, HOUSE AMEND. SCH. A

lower

May 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

HOUSE ADOPTED HOUSE AMEND. SCH. A

lower

Apr 1, 2026

Lower · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

lower

Mar 4, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Appropriations

lower

16 primary · 0 co-sponsors