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Assembly committee moves measure to raise pay for incarcerated hand-crew firefighters
Summary
AB 247 would increase compensation for incarcerated firefighters when they are actively deployed on wildfires. Former incarcerated firefighters testified about dangerous working conditions, low pay, and the role the program can play in rehabilitation. The committee passed the bill to Appropriations.
Assemblymember Isaac Bryan presented AB 247 to require fairer compensation for incarcerated hand-crew members deployed to fight wildfires. Bryan said incarcerated firefighters have long been part of the states firefighting force but are paid only a few dollars per day while facing increased risk of injury and smoke exposure.
Former incarcerated firefighter Eduardo Herrera told the committee he served as an institutional firefighter and later became a professional firefighter. He described life-saving responses, long shifts and higher injury risk, and said during incarceration he earned roughly $1.80 an hour while doing firefighting duties. "California invests in rehabilitative fire training. Let's not waste that investment," Herrera said.
Former hand crew member Lakeisha Johnson described being deployed to emergencies at all hours and said pay was far below a living wage. Supporters argued increasing compensation recognizes dangerous work, provides dignity, and would help reentry outcomes. Supporters included anti-recidivism and legal-services organizations and several formerly incarcerated firefighters.
No one testified in opposition. After discussion, the committee voted to pass AB 247 as amended to the Appropriations Committee.
