SB 481 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT REQUIRING NURSING HOME OWNERSHIP TRANSPARENCY, FINANCIAL SAFEGUARDS PROTECTING NURSING HOME OPERATIONS AND PROPERTY AND PROHIBITING REQUIRED ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS.

This bill establishes financial protections for nursing homes owned by private equity firms and bans mandatory arbitration agreements for residents. It requires nursing homes with private equity owners to submit detailed financial and ownership information to state officials annually, including audited financial statements and purchase agreements. The law also mandates that these facilities secure performance bonds equal to 90 days of operating costs and prohibits the sale of nursing home property for five years without state approval to ensure operational stability. Additionally, the bill declares any arbitration agreements required by nursing homes as void and against public policy, preventing facilities from forcing residents to sign them as a condition of care.

Issues: ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Mar 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Mar 11, 2026 Last action Apr 30, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

HS Joint Favorable Substitute → JUD Joint Favorable Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was significantly rewritten to replace a penalty system with a financial security requirement. Instead of fining nursing homes for late paperwork, the new version mandates that homes owned by external entities must post a performance bond equal to 90 days of operating costs. Additionally, a restriction on selling nursing home property within five years of acquisition was moved from a subsection to a new section.

Scope change

The bill's scope shifted from enforcing administrative deadlines to imposing a new financial guarantee requirement on specific types of nursing home ownership structures.

ENFORCEMENT

Removed a provision allowing the Commissioner of Social Services to impose a $1,000 per day civil penalty on nursing homes that fail to submit required information on time.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement for nursing homes owned or partially owned by external entities to secure a performance bond or security equal to 90 days of operating costs as a condition for licensing or renewal.

Modified the submission process so that the required performance bond must be submitted to the Department of Public Health rather than just being secured.

Relocated the restriction prohibiting the sale of nursing home property within five years of acquisition from a subsection to a new standalone section.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Apr 24, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

upper

Apr 21, 2026

Upper · Passed

IMMEDIATE TRANSMITTAL TO COMMITTEE

upper

Mar 19, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

upper

Mar 11, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Human Services

upper

3 primary · 0 co-sponsors