The proposed bill, General Assembly Proposed Bill No. 5104, seeks to amend chapter 104 of the general statutes to change the employment requirements for police officers and firefighters. Specifically, the bill prohibits law enforcement units and fire departments from requiring United States citizenship as a condition of employment. Instead, it allows individuals classified as lawful permanent residents of the United States under federal law to be eligible for employment in these roles.

The primary purpose of this legislation is to expand the pool of candidates for police and firefighter positions by including lawful permanent residents, thereby enhancing diversity and potentially addressing staffing shortages in these critical public safety roles. The bill reflects a shift in policy to recognize the contributions of lawful permanent residents in serving their communities.