California Bill to Support Incarcerated Firefighters Blocked in Appropriations Despite Bipartisan Support
State rejects AB 1380, stalling reentry reform and turning away trained firefighters as wildfire threats grow
Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program cohort, including formerly incarcerated firefighters, working toward a firefighting career.
SACRAMENTO — In a closed-door decision, the California Senate Appropriations Committee quietly killed AB 1380, a bipartisan bill that would have created career pathways for incarcerated firefighters who risk their lives battling California’s wildfires.
Despite passing every policy committee with bipartisan support and facing zero opposition, AB 1380 was held in the committee’s suspense file process, where hundreds of bills are decided with little debate and no public vote. Co-sponsors of the bill have vowed to continue pressing for AB 1380’s reforms in the next legislative session.
AB 1380 was part of the seven-bill Firefighting to Freedom legislative package. The remaining six bills in the package passed out of appropriations and will face floor votes before being sent to the Governor for signature. These bills are vital to supporting incarcerated firefighters through increased wages, death benefits, and other provisions to support those who keep our communities safe.
Assemblymember Sade Elhawary (AD-57), bill author:
“California relies on incarcerated firefighters to save lives and homes, yet refuses to give them the basic certification they need to pursue firefighting careers upon release. The decision to block AB 1380 defies reason, public safety, and compassion. I am immensely proud of our work on this bill, and I promise we will not give up until those who risked their lives on the inside have the opportunity to continue in this heroic career path when they return home.”
Mayra Lombera, Chief Policy Officer, Michelson Center for Public Policy (Co-sponsors of AB1380):
“We can’t keep using incarcerated firefighters when it’s convenient and then shutting them out when they come home. Blocking AB 1380 squandered a common-sense chance to honor their service and strengthen our fire response. While this outcome is disappointing, we built real momentum on this issue that we plan to carry forward until we win.”
Mayra Lombera advocates for AB 1380 at August 22, 2025 Firefighting to Freedom Press Conference.
Chief Royal Ramey, Co-Founder & CEO, The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (Co-sponsors of AB1380):
“As someone who once served in a fire camp, I know the sacrifice our incarcerated firefighters make. FFRP’s mission is to ensure those same individuals have access to the training, resources, and opportunities needed to build meaningful careers once they return home. AB 1380 would have advanced that vision by recognizing their service and opening pathways to real employment. By shelving this bill, the Legislature has not only left a critical gap in our wildfire workforce, but also denied second chances to people who have already proven their commitment to protecting our communities.”
Chief Royal Ramey speaks to honoring the service and sacrifice of incarcerated firefighters at August 22, 2025 Firefighting to Freedom Press Conference.
Cristine Soto DeBerry, Executive Director of Prosecutors Alliance Action (Co-sponsors of AB1380):
“The incarcerated firefighters risking their lives to protect our communities deserve more than gratitude – they deserve real career opportunities when they return home. AB 1380 would have opened that door, strengthening both public safety and our wildfire response. It’s deeply disappointing that the committee blocked such a commonsense, life-saving measure, but we will continue fighting until these firefighters get the second chances they have earned.”
Taina Vargas, Executive Director of Initiate Justice Action (Co-sponsors of AB1380):
“Our state relies on incarcerated labor day in and day out. Incarcerated firefighters perform some of the most grueling and life-threatening tasks, risking their lives to defend our communities. AB 1380 would have finally delivered for them by giving hand crews real opportunities to pursue careers in firefighting when they came home. This was a transformative bill that would have strengthened public safety through job creation, and while this setback is deeply disappointing, our resolve and commitment to this issue have only been strengthened. Just as incarcerated firefighters don’t stop fighting for us, we also will not cease fighting for them. “
###
The Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP) is a 501(c)(4) organization advancing legislative change through strategic collaboration with policymakers, advocacy organizations, and civic leaders. Focused on education, equity, justice, medical research, and animal welfare, MCPP complements the work of Michelson Philanthropies through bold, effective advocacy. Learn more at www.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 brings together the voices of prosecutors, victim advocates, and allies to advocate for prosecutorial reform and policy solutions that advance long-term safety and well-being in all communities. For more information, visit www.prosecutorsallianceaction.org.
Founded and led by Californians directly impacted by the justice system, Initiate Justice Action mobilizes the collective power of system-impacted people to advocate for policies that end mass incarceration. https://ijaction.org/
