Substitute Senate Bill No. 840 Summary

• Extends the University of Connecticut 2000 capital improvement program through fiscal year 2024 (previously ended in 2018), increasing total authorized borrowing from $1.719 billion to $3.271 billion for construction, renovation, and equipment projects across all UConn campuses.

• Establishes "Next Generation Connecticut" program focused on developing research preeminence, hiring outstanding faculty, educating graduates for workforce needs, and fostering scientific and technological breakthroughs through strategic construction and infrastructure investments.

• Requires UConn to develop a comprehensive plan by July 1, 2014, in consultation with industry advisory boards and independent research firms to guide capital investments and identify strategic growth areas aligned with state economic development needs.

• Mandates annual reporting beginning January 1, 2016, to the General Assembly on progress toward achieving Next Generation Connecticut goals, including research activities, student enrollment, industry partnerships, intellectual property metrics, and benchmarking against nationally-ranked research universities.

• Requires independent peer institutions to assess UConn's progress in meeting program purposes by December 31, 2019, and every five years thereafter, with input from relevant legislative committee leadership.