Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Wildfire topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Assembly approves pay increase for incarcerated wildfire hand crews
Summary
The Assembly unanimously passed AB 247 to increase pay for incarcerated hand crews who fight wildfires, sponsors and supporters said the measure recognizes dangerous work and promotes rehabilitation while opponents were minimal; bill passed 69–0.
Assembly Bill 247, authored by Assemblymember Brian (first name given in the transcript as "Assembly member Brian"), received bipartisan floor support and passed the Assembly after speakers described incarcerated hand crews’ role in fighting wildfires and the need to raise their compensation.
Assemblymember Brian presented AB 247 and noted the crews’ long history in California wildfire response and their recent service on the Eaton Fire. He described crews’ low pay — historically around $1 an hour or a few dollars a day — and said the bill increases compensation for incarcerated firefighters and supports rehabilitation and restitution goals. “They deserve this pay raise,” he said.
Speakers in support included Assemblymember Flora, Assemblymember Harvey Dean, Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, Assemblymember Lowenthal and others who described personal encounters with hand crews and stressed the program’s rehabilitative benefits. Several members pointed to examples of former incarcerated firefighters who later became productive community members.
The bill passed on the Assembly floor with a roll call of 69 ayes, 0 noes. Supporters said the measure recognizes hazardous work, aids restitution to victims and aims to reduce recidivism by rewarding training and work that can lead to post‑release employment in firefighting or related fields.
