CT SB00789

Requires law enforcement units hiring certified police officers to reimburse the initial employing unit 50% of the total certification cost when the officer is hired within two years of obtaining certification on or after July 1, 2016.

Defines "cost of certification" as training, equipment, uniforms, salary, fringe benefits, and entry-level requirements established by the Police Officer Standards and Training Council, excluding returned equipment or uniforms.

Prohibits law enforcement units from requiring officers to pay any portion of reimbursement costs unless agreed to prior to July 1, 2019, and prohibits collective bargaining agreements entered after July 1, 2019 from imposing such costs on officers.

Exempts law enforcement units from reimbursement obligations when hiring officers two or more years after certification is obtained.

Preserves existing agreements between officers or collective bargaining units and law enforcement units entered into prior to July 1, 2016.