The proposed General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5456 seeks to restructure the leadership and organization of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection in Connecticut by increasing the number of deputy commissioners from two to three. Each deputy commissioner will have specific roles: a first deputy commissioner focused on administration, a deputy commissioner for emergency management, and another for public safety training. The bill outlines the responsibilities of these deputy commissioners, including oversight of divisions such as the Division of State Police and the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. It also mandates that individuals appointed to these positions must possess relevant experience and a clean record, thereby prohibiting those with past unethical conduct or conflicts of interest from serving.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new governance structure for CT CARE, which will now be managed by a seven-member governing board appointed by the Governor. This board will include members with expertise in finance, accounting, or nonprofit operations, as well as representatives from various relevant offices and organizations. The legislation amends several existing statutes, specifically sections 29-1r(a), 29-1b, 29-7b(a), 4-37f(11), and 4-37s(b)(1), to reflect these changes, all of which will take effect on October 1, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the operational efficiency and accountability of emergency services and public protection in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 29-1b