Bill > AB2483

This bill establishes a program to provide formerly incarcerated individuals with better opportunities to become certified wildland firefighters. Starting July 1, 2027, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, in partnership with the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the California Conservation Camp program, will ensure that individuals who complete firefighting training while incarcerated receive official written certification of their completed training before their release. This certification will reflect their training towards meeting the requirements for Fire Fighter 1 Classification or Forestry Technician Classification. Beginning January 1, 2028, qualified formerly incarcerated individuals who have this training and meet the minimum qualifications for a Fire Fighter 1 Classification position will receive a hiring preference. Similarly, for Forestry Technician Classification positions, their training and experience as an incarcerated hand crew member will count towards the minimum qualifications, and they will also receive a hiring preference. The bill defines a "qualified formerly incarcerated individual" as someone who successfully completed firefighting training while incarcerated, has the required certification, and participated in the California Conservation Camp program. The department is also authorized to provide similar hiring preferences for new entry-level positions if the training aligns with their qualifications.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Justice, Labor and Employment

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB2483