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HB 5046

AN ACT SUPPORTING FIRST RESPONDER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Anderson and 43 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill addressing firefighter and police recruitment/retention challenges through unspecified incentive measures currently in committee review.

FILE NO. 313
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Bill Summary · HB 5046

Legislative bill overview

HB 5046 is a Connecticut bill designed to improve recruitment and retention of firefighters and police officers through unspecified incentives or support measures. The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Public Safety and Security and is currently in the public hearing phase as of February 2026.

Why is this important

Law enforcement and fire service agencies across Connecticut face documented staffing shortages that affect public safety response times and service quality. Recruiting and retaining qualified personnel has become increasingly difficult due to low pay, demanding conditions, and competition from private sector opportunities, making legislative solutions potentially critical for maintaining adequate emergency services.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact unclear: The bill's specific financial costs and funding sources are not detailed in available materials, raising questions about budget sustainability
  • Undefined mechanisms: Without knowing the exact incentives (bonuses, benefits, training funding, etc.), it's difficult to assess whether proposed measures will effectively address root causes of recruitment/retention challenges
  • Municipal versus state responsibility: Ambiguity over whether state-level mandates or funding will apply uniformly to all departments, potentially creating equity or compliance issues for smaller municipalities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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