Plain English Breakdown
The official summary states these provisions are operative 'only upon an appropriation,' meaning they do not start automatically without funding approval.
Wildland Firefighter Jobs and Training for Formerly Incarcerated People
This law requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to certify formerly incarcerated people who finish firefighting training, reserve a minimum percentage of firefighter jobs for them by January 1, 2027, and give them hiring preference.
What This Bill Does
- Requires a standardized process so all individuals who complete the department's firefighting training program while incarcerated receive official written certification before their release.
- States that this certification must be enough to qualify someone for employment as a Fire Fighter 1 with the department.
- Mandates that by January 1, 2027, a minimum percentage of Fire Fighter 1 jobs must be set aside for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals.
- Requires giving hiring preference under Category Placement 2 to qualified formerly incarcerated applicants starting no later than January 1, 2027.
- Orders the department to track how many people finish training and are due for release within 90 days to ensure enough jobs exist.
- Directs the department to create rules for tracking program results and report yearly to the Legislature on how well it works.
Who It Names or Affects
- Incarcerated individuals in California Conservation Camps who complete firefighting training.
- The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
- The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
- Formerly incarcerated people applying for firefighter jobs with the department.
Terms To Know
- Fire Fighter 1 classification
- A specific job level within the fire department that this certification allows a person to hold.
- Category Placement 2
- A hiring preference rule for qualified formerly incarcerated applicants applying for jobs with the department.
- FFT program
- The department's firefighting training program completed by people while they are in prison or camp.
Limits and Unknowns
- These rules only take effect if the Legislature approves funding for them.
- The text does not state the exact minimum percentage of jobs that must be reserved, only that a percentage is required by January 1, 2027.