Bill > HB07199

This bill aims to enhance firefighter recruitment and retention through several key provisions. First, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority will develop a mortgage assistance program for uniformed firefighters, providing down payment help or housing subsidies to help them purchase homes in the communities they serve. Second, the bill expands tuition waiver eligibility at various state educational institutions for uniformed members of paid or volunteer fire departments who have served for at least two years, as well as their dependent children who have served for at least five years. Third, the bill establishes a Volunteer Firefighter Length-of-Service Award Program, creating a trust fund to provide financial credits to eligible volunteer firefighters based on their years of service, with provisions for vesting, payment, and beneficiary designation. Additionally, the bill modifies an existing task force studying firefighter shortages and introduces a provision requiring municipalities to reimburse each other for a portion of entry-level training costs when a firefighter is hired by a different municipality within two years of completing initial training. These measures are designed to support firefighters financially, encourage long-term service, and address recruitment challenges in the firefighting profession.

Budget and Finance, Justice

Public Safety and Security Committee (Joint)

https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB07199&which_year=2025