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Committee moves CAL FIRE pay bill intended to improve recruitment and retention
Summary
AB 1309, aimed at aligning CAL FIRE pay closer to local fire departments, passed the committee and was referred for further action; sponsors said competitive compensation is essential to meet annual fire seasons.
Assemblymember Flora presented AB 1309, which would direct CAL FIRE to adjust its compensation approach by comparing CAL FIRE pay to that of a group of local fire departments and targeting pay within a defined band of the average. Proponents said the change would help recruitment and retention during increasingly active fire seasons.
Terry McHale, representing CAL FIRE Local 2881, called CAL FIRE "the most diverse" and among the largest firefighting organizations in the Americas and urged committee support. Supporters included California Professional Firefighters and other firefighter organizations. Members praised firefighters’ service during major wildfires and said competitive pay is important to retain skilled personnel.
Committee action: The committee voted to find the bill "do pass" and referred it to the Committee on Appropriations (the committee noted sufficient votes and placed the measure on hold for potential amendments/add-ons). The roll indicated sufficient aye votes.
Implementation considerations: The bill is not a strict formula bill, according to testimony, and would use a comparison to identified departments; sponsors said it would not make CAL FIRE the highest‑paid force but would help reduce the gap and support staffing during fire seasons. Specific fiscal impacts and implementation mechanics will be evaluated by Appropriations.
