Governor's Bill No. 5046 seeks to improve the recruitment and retention of firefighters and police officers in Connecticut by expanding eligibility for tuition waivers at state educational institutions. The bill introduces new provisions that allow tuition waivers for police officers and firefighters who have served in the state for at least five years, as well as for students attending the state fire school and those enrolled in law enforcement programs at the Connecticut Police Academy. It also maintains existing provisions for dependents of military personnel and veterans, while deleting previous eligibility criteria for dependents of individuals killed in action prior to September 11, 2001. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

In addition to the tuition waivers, the bill establishes a new mortgage assistance program under the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority aimed at helping police officers and firefighters purchase homes in the communities they serve. This program may provide down payment assistance and other housing subsidies, with terms that allow for a reasonable share of equity gain upon the sale of the property. The effective date for the mortgage assistance program is set for October 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to provide greater support for public safety personnel, encouraging more individuals to pursue careers in these essential fields.