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