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AB-252 • 2026

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

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

Budget
Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor
Bains
Last action
Official status
Assembly - Died - Appropriations
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source states funding must be appropriated but does not guarantee it will happen without legislative action each year.

AB-252: Staffing Rules for Fire Protection

This law requires California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to reach defined full staffing levels by January 1, 2028, and maintain them year-round at all its stations.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the department to reach full staffing levels as defined in the bill on or before January 1, 2028.
  • Mandates that fire stations stay at full staffing levels for every day of the calendar year.
  • Sets a specific schedule for the department to follow when adding new staff members.
  • Requires the department to send an annual report to the Legislature about its progress on hiring and implementing year-round staffing.

Who It Names or Affects

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

Terms To Know

Full staffing levels
Staffing numbers as defined in this bill.
Appropriate moneys
The Legislature setting aside enough money in the annual Budget Act or another statute to pay for these changes.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill states it is the intent of the Legislature to pass future laws about increasing year-round staffing levels.
  • Funding depends on the Legislature approving enough money in a budget act or other law.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Assembly - Died - Appropriations

Official Summary Text

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