Incarcerated Firefighter Career Pathway Bill Clears Critical Senate Appropriations Hurdle
AB 2483 advances off the suspense file with unanimous support, a major milestone after predecessor legislation stalled at the same stage last year
SACRAMENTO – A California bill designed to turn the training and frontline experience of incarcerated firefighters into pathways to firefighting careers cleared a major hurdle today, advancing out of the Senate Appropriations Committee with unanimous support.
Assembly Bill 2483, authored by Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (D-57), would establish a standardized process to ensure eligible incarcerated firefighters receive official documentation reflecting the training they completed before release and help translate that training and field experience into opportunities for careers with CAL FIRE.
The vote marks a particularly significant milestone for the effort. A predecessor bill authored by Elhawary, AB 1380, reached the Senate Appropriations suspense file in 2025 but was held under submission. AB 2483 has now cleared the hurdle where the previous effort stalled and will advance toward consideration by the full Senate.
The bill comes as California continues to rely on incarcerated firefighters to protect communities from increasingly destructive wildfires, while many face barriers to turning that experience into careers after release. AB 2483 would help ensure that qualifying training and frontline work are formally recognized rather than lost when individuals leave the conservation camp system.
Statements from AB 2483 Author and Co-Sponsors:
Assemblymember Sade Elhawary
“These are individuals who stepped up to protect our communities during some of the most challenging moments. When they return home, gratitude alone is not enough. We have a responsibility to ensure their training and experience are recognized, and that they have the certifications and opportunities needed to pursue firefighting careers, rebuild their lives, and thrive.”
Royal Ramey, Co-Founder and CEO of The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program
“I know firsthand what this bill means because I lived it. I served as an incarcerated firefighter and came home with real training, experience on the fireline, and a desire to continue protecting communities, but there wasn’t a clear pathway to turn that experience into a career. AB 2483 is about making sure that experience doesn’t go to waste and that people who have already proven they can do this work have a real opportunity to compete for careers in the fire service. At the same time, California needs a strong, prepared wildfire workforce. This is about creating opportunity, strengthening public safety, and opening doors for people who are ready to serve.”
Cristine Soto DeBerry, Executive Director of Prosecutors Alliance Action
“California urgently needs more firefighters to meet the growing threat of climate-driven wildfires. People returning from incarceration with real firefighting experience should be part of that solution. Opening these pathways provides individuals with the dignity and stability of meaningful employment, ultimately strengthening both public safety and community resilience.”
Mayra Lombera, Chief Policy Officer, Michelson Center for Public Policy
“These individuals have already proven they are capable of fighting fires on the frontlines and contributing to California’s firefighting force. AB 2483 ensures their experience, training, and bravery are recognized instead of wasted.”
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Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP) is a Los Angeles-based 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy organization affiliated with Michelson Philanthropies, a foundation devoted to expanding equity and access across medical research, animal welfare, education, and intellectual property. MCPP advances policy and legislative solutions that support these priorities. In collaboration with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and civic leaders, it works to expand opportunity for underserved communities across California and beyond. Learn more at michelsonpolicy.org.
The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP) is a nonprofit organization that provides career support to formerly incarcerated firefighters and those currently incarcerated in California’s Conservation Camps; who are interested in careers in the Wildland and Forestry sector. FFRP was developed in direct response to the growing need for wildfire-related personnel. Our mission is to increase wildfire personnel from non-traditional and underrepresented communities, providing them the training, skills, resources, and experience needed to secure gainful employment. https://www.forestryfirerp.org/
Prosecutors Alliance Action mobilizes prosecutors and voters to fight for a fair and humane justice system rooted in community trust and free from abuses of power. For more information, visit www.prosecutorsallianceaction.org.
