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 for employment in these roles. Instead, it allows individuals classified as lawful permanent residents of the United States under federal law to be eligible for employment as police officers and firefighters.

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