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Assembly votes to increase pay for incarcerated hand crews after members praise their wildfire service
Summary
AB 247, raising pay and adjusting compensation for incarcerated firefighters, passed the Assembly 69-0. Members across the aisle described the crews as essential to wildfire response and framed the measure as rehabilitation and public safety policy.
The California Assembly on May 20 approved AB 247, a bill to increase pay and update compensation for incarcerated hand crews who serve as wildfire firefighters, passing by a unanimous 69-0 vote.
Assemblymember Brian, the bill’s author, said incarcerated firefighters have long been essential to wildfire response in California and noted that many historically earned very low wages. “They are critical. They are essential to protecting lives and property,” Brian said on the floor, urging lawmakers to approve higher pay to reflect the risk and labor of the crews.
Multiple members described firsthand experiences with the crews during recent fires. Assemblymember Flora, a former CAL FIRE employee, praised the crews’ work ethic and said the bill struck the right balance after adjustments in committee. Assemblymember Harvey Dean recounted the crews’ sustained work during the Eaton fire and urged the body to recognize their service. Supporters argued the measure promotes rehabilitation by providing work experience and pay that can be applied to restitution and reentry.
Several members — including Assemblymembers Jeff Gonzales, Lowenthal, Patterson and Ransom — described individual success stories of formerly incarcerated crew members who returned to communities, joined the workforce or started businesses after participating in the program.
The bill’s supporters emphasized that participant eligibility excludes those convicted of violent crimes, that crews often perform arduous duties such as extended shifts digging fire lines, and that higher pay will support both restitution and post-release reintegration.
The Assembly recorded the final tally as 69-0. With the floor vote complete, AB 247 proceeds to the Senate.
