Bill > AB252

This bill requires the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to reach and maintain full staffing levels at all fire stations and facilities throughout the entire calendar year by January 1, 2028, in response to the year-round fire risks created by climate change. The bill defines "full staffing levels" as the highest number of firefighting personnel employed by the department in any single month between 2022 and 2024. CAL FIRE must implement these staffing requirements incrementally, achieving 50% of the required increase by January 1, 2026, and 75% by January 1, 2027. The department is required to submit annual reports to the Legislature detailing progress toward year-round staffing, emergency response capabilities, cost analysis, and recruitment and retention metrics. The bill, known as the "Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act," recognizes that traditional fire seasons no longer exist and that maintaining adequate firefighting capability throughout the year is essential for public safety and effective fire prevention. The Legislature is obligated to appropriate sufficient funds in the annual Budget Act or another statute to implement these staffing requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB252