The proposed bill, Substitute Bill No. 5455, mandates the president of The University of Connecticut to establish a recruitment and retention program for the university's special police forces and fire department by July 1, 2027. This program aims to address staffing shortages and high resignation rates by developing salary schedules that align with comparable municipal and state agencies, ensuring that supervisors earn more than those they supervise. Additionally, the bill introduces an education benefit for long-term members, which may include tuition reimbursement and eligibility for dependents, and requires the president to provide these parameters to the Commissioner of Administrative Services for implementation.

Furthermore, the bill requires the president to submit an annual report starting January 1, 2027, detailing the recruitment and retention status of the special police forces and fire department, including metrics on authorized versus filled positions, resignations, and the financial impact of training costs for personnel who leave within five years. It also repeals and replaces a section of current law regarding the classification of special police positions, emphasizing the need for objective job-related criteria, including skills necessary for high-density campus environments and specialized emergency services. The bill aims to enhance the operational effectiveness and stability of the university's public safety services.