Senate Bill No. 421, also known as File No. 223, is a comprehensive legislative proposal aimed at improving law enforcement recruitment and retention in Connecticut. The bill includes a variety of initiatives, such as a state-wide campaign to promote the law enforcement profession, the creation of a full-time cadet or explorer program coordinator position, and a grant program to reimburse municipal police departments for police officer basic training costs. It also allows noncitizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence to be employed as police officers and requires a report on recommendations for a bonus schedule to encourage careers in law enforcement. Additionally, the bill seeks to develop a career pathway for police officers to obtain higher education degrees.

The bill introduces several financial incentives and support measures for police officers, including tuition waivers for officers and their dependent children, a loan reimbursement program, a property tax exemption for officers residing in distressed municipalities, and enhanced housing assistance for officers purchasing homes in the communities they serve. It also includes provisions for the study of retirement options and conditions for retired officers to return to service, as well as the establishment of a task force to study the volunteer police auxiliary force. The bill mandates pilot programs for the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by law enforcement and for enhancing mental health support for police officers. The bill's provisions have various effective dates, with some taking effect upon passage and others in 2024 and 2025.