CT SB00428

Establishes the Academic Research Funding Commission within the Executive Department, effective July 1, 2026, to award research grants to faculty at Connecticut institutions of higher education

Commission comprises 13 members including faculty from UConn, Connecticut State University System, and nonprofit independent institutions, plus two industry representatives appointed by the Governor and vice presidents of research from UConn and Yale serving as cochairpersons

Prioritizes funding for research on topics that have been reduced, restricted, or eliminated due to changes in federal grant funding from the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and other federal agencies

Appropriates $50 million from the General Fund for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, to distribute research grants

Requires annual reporting to the Governor, Commissioner of Higher Education, and General Assembly beginning January 1, 2028, detailing grants awarded, research types funded, applications received, and policy recommendations