Bill > AB1380

This bill establishes the Formerly Incarcerated Firefighter Certification and Employment Program within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The bill requires CAL FIRE, in partnership with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the California Conservation Camp program, to create a standardized process ensuring that incarcerated individuals who complete the firefighting training program (FFT program) receive official written certification before release, specifically focusing on CAL-FIRE Forestry Training and S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior certifications. By January 1, 2027, the department must award hiring preference under Category Placement 2 to qualified formerly incarcerated individuals applying for positions. The bill mandates that CAL FIRE track the number of incarcerated individuals completing the FFT program who are set to be released within 90 days and develop policies to track program outcomes, including participant hiring, retention rates, and career advancement opportunities. For three years, CAL FIRE must submit annual reports to the Legislature about the program's implementation and effectiveness. The program will only become operational upon specific legislative appropriation, and the bill defines a "qualified formerly incarcerated individual" as someone who completed the FFT program and holds a valid certification. The legislation aims to create a structured pathway for formerly incarcerated individuals to pursue careers in wildland firefighting.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB1380