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Panel moves bill to make youth offender fire camp pilot permanent after survivor testimony
Summary
AB 952 would make the youth offender fire camp pilot program permanent and allow expansion. A formerly incarcerated participant described how the program reduced recidivism and provided life skills. Committee advanced the bill to Appropriations.
The Senate Public Safety Committee advanced Assembly Bill 952 to the Senate Appropriations Committee after testimony emphasizing the program’s rehabilitative benefits.
AB 952, presented by Assemblymember Shaday El Hawari, would make permanent and allow expansion of the youth offender fire camp pilot program. Supporters cited California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) data presented in the hearing showing lower recidivism among fire camp participants — testimony referenced a reduction “as much as 14.5 percentage points” compared with the general incarcerated population.
A formerly incarcerated participant, Julian Gonzalez, described how the fire camp gave him direction, work ethic and individualized support that helped him prepare for reentry. Gonzalez said camp staff and partner organizations such as the Anti‑Recidivism Coalition provided career coaching and mental‑health supports that contributed to his successful parole and reintegration.
Supporters included reentry organizations, public defenders and forestry and firefighting stakeholders. The committee recorded a favorable vote and moved the bill to the Senate Appropriations Committee; the committee vote was recorded as 6‑0 in favor when calls were lifted.
