AB-252 • 2026

Wildfire protection: Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: staffing.

Budget Labor

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Bains
Last action: 2026-02-02
Official status: From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on what happens if the state fails to allocate adequate funding or the exact number of additional staff required.

Wildfire Protection Staffing for Fire Departments

This law requires California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to reach full staffing levels by January 1, 2028, maintain these levels throughout the year, and report annually on progress.

What This Bill Does

Requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to have enough workers at all fire stations and facilities by January 1, 2028.
Needs the department to keep full staff levels throughout each calendar year after that date.
Asks the department to report annually on progress toward implementing year-round staffing requirements.
Requires the Legislature to appropriate sufficient funds in its budget for these provisions.

Who It Names or Affects

The Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
Fire stations and facilities under the department's control

Terms To Know

full staffing levels: Having enough workers to meet all job needs.
fire protection: Stopping fires from starting or spreading.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how many new jobs will be created.
It is unclear what happens if the state does not provide enough money for staffing.
Future laws may add more rules about year-round staffing levels.

Bill History

2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2026-01-31 California Legislative Information
Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
2025-05-23 California Legislative Information
In committee: Held under submission.
2025-04-23 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.
2025-04-08 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (April 7). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2025-03-25 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.
2025-03-24 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on NAT. RES. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-24 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.
2025-01-16 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee February 15.
2025-01-15 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 252, as amended, Bains.
Wildfire protection: Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: staffing.
Existing law establishes the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in the Natural Resources Agency. Existing law requires the department to be responsible for specified activities, including maintaining an integrated staff to accomplish fire protection, fire prevention, pest control, and forest and range protection and enhancement activities, as needed.
This bill would require the department to reach full staffing levels, as defined, on or before January 1, 2028, and to maintain full staffing levels throughout the calendar year at all fire stations and facilities under its jurisdiction. The bill would require the department to implement staffing requirements on a schedule, as specified. The bill would require the department to report annually to the
Legislature on, among other things, progress toward implementation of year-round staffing requirements. The bill would require the Legislature to appropriate in the annual Budget Act or another statute sufficient moneys to implement these provisions.
Existing law establishes in the Natural Resource Agency the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and requires the department to be responsible for, among other things, fire protection and prevention, as provided.
This bill would provide that it is the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation relating to increasing year-round staffing levels at the department.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF