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HB 5239

AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES' RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE INDEPENDENT MORTALITY REVIEW BOARD AND FATALITY REVIEW BOARD.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Delnicki

Connecticut bill implementing departmental recommendations to strengthen independent and fatality review boards investigating deaths in developmental services care.

SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
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Bill Summary · HB 5239

Legislative bill overview

HB 5239 addresses recommendations from Connecticut's Department of Developmental Services regarding two oversight boards: an Independent Mortality Review Board and a Fatality Review Board. The bill appears to implement or modify procedures for how these boards operate and investigate deaths among individuals receiving developmental services.

Why is this important

Deaths of vulnerable populations in state care require transparent investigation and accountability mechanisms. These review boards serve as safeguards to identify systemic issues, prevent future deaths, and ensure families have answers about what happened to their loved ones. Strengthening or clarifying these processes directly affects oversight of care facilities and services for people with developmental disabilities.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of independence: Questions about whether the Independent Mortality Review Board has genuine autonomy from the Department of Developmental Services or merely advisory power without enforcement authority
  • Resource allocation: Whether adequate funding and staffing are allocated to conduct thorough, timely investigations of all deaths
  • Family participation and transparency: The extent to which families of deceased individuals can participate in reviews and access findings versus confidentiality restrictions that may limit public accountability

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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