This bill amends the General Laws regarding employment eligibility for law enforcement officers and firefighters by introducing a new section, 42-7.3-11. It states that no person otherwise qualified shall be denied the opportunity to apply for appointment or employment as a law enforcement officer or firefighter, or admission to a training academy, solely on the basis of their country of citizenship. The bill specifies that a lawful permanent resident of the United States who is legally authorized to work and satisfies all other qualifications required by law is deemed eligible to apply. However, individuals must acquire U.S. citizenship before being sworn in as law enforcement officers or firefighters after completing their training.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing sections in the State Police chapter to align with this new eligibility criterion, indicating that candidates for appointment or admission to training schools must comply with the provisions of the new section, while removing the requirement that they must be U.S. citizens at the time of application. The bill clarifies that nothing in this section shall affect requirements related to background investigations, training, or certification standards applicable to law enforcement officers or firefighters under state law. This act will take effect upon passage.