Researcher: SL Page 1 5/1/24
OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 250 (File 343, as amended by Senate “A”)*
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE GLOBAL ENTREPRENEUR IN
RESIDENCE PROGRAM.
SUMMARY
This bill requires the Department of Economic and Community
Development (DECD) to submit recommendations to the Commerce
Committee by January 1, 2025, on the design and establishment of a
three-year Global Entrepreneur in Residence pilot program to attract or
retain resident specialists in Connecticut. Under the bill, a “resident
specialist” is someone who:
1. is employed part-time by a private employer in a specialty
occupation (see BACKGROUND),
2. is not a United States citizen, and
3. wants to move to or remain in Connecticut as a nonimmigrant
while employed by a private employer.
In addition to attracting and retaining resident specialists, the
program may:
1. facilitate or support partnerships between eligible institutions
(i.e., public or private higher education institutions in
Connecticut) and private employers that employ resident
specialists;
2. help resident specialists file visa applications; and
3. accept donated funds to support the program’s purposes.
Under the bill, DECD must consult with UConn, the Connecticut
State Colleges and Universities (CSCU), the Office of Workforce
Strategy, and the governor’s office to make pilot program 2024SB-00250-R01-BA.DOCX
Researcher: SL Page 2 5/1/24
recommendations. It also allows DECD to consult other eligible
institutions, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit businesses to make
recommendations.
The bill also requires DECD, UConn, and CSCU to, by January 1,
2025, conduct a joint survey of noncitizen students at UConn and
CSCUs to assess interest in the Global Entrepreneur in Residence
Program. They may do so in collaboration with other eligible
institutions and any other parties.
*Senate Amendment “A” replaces the underlying bill, which directed
DECD to develop a Global Entrepreneur in Residence pilot program
and outlined specific program and reporting requirements.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage
BACKGROUND
Specialty Occupation Visas
To qualify for certain visas (e.g., an H-1B visa), a foreign worker must
have a bachelor’s degree or higher and be employed in a specialty
occupation by a U.S.-based employer who will file the visa petition. A
specialty occupation is generally one that requires highly specialized
knowledge and a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty (or
its equivalent) to work in the occupation in the United States.
COMMITTEE ACTION
Commerce Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 24 Nay 0 (03/22/2024)