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Committee moves AB 247 to Appropriations, would raise pay for incarcerated hand‑crew firefighters during deployments
Summary
AB 247 would increase pay for incarcerated hand‑crew members when they are actively fighting wildfires. The committee voted to pass the measure to Appropriations after testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters describing hazardous work and low compensation.
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan presented AB 247 to raise compensation for incarcerated hand crew members while they are actively deployed on wildland and emergency incidents. Bryan said the bill is about dignity and fair compensation for people who risk injury and death fighting California wildfires: "Incarcerated people who bravely step forward to fight our state's wildfires are severely underpaid," he said.
Two formerly incarcerated firefighters — Eduardo Herrera and Laquisha Johnson — described dangerous conditions, long shifts, higher rates of smoke inhalation and object‑related injuries compared with professional crews, and pay that Herrera said was "$1.80 an hour" during his incarceration. Both testified that the training and service helped rehabilitation and that fairer pay would support reintegration and restitution payments.
Supporters included reentry organizations and legal‑services groups; no on‑record witnesses testified in opposition during the hearing. Committee members thanked witnesses for service and urged recognition for the hand crew program's role in wildfire response.
The committee voted to pass AB 247 as amended to the Appropriations Committee. The motion passed and the measure advanced for fiscal review and additional legislative consideration.
