Committee approves pathway bill to certify formerly incarcerated hand-crew firefighters
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Summary
The committee voted to refer AB 24 83 to Public Safety after bipartisan support and testimony from formerly incarcerated firefighters and program sponsors. The bill would provide certification and a permanent credentialing pathway for people who served on Cal Fire hand crews while incarcerated.
Assemblymember Al Hawari's measure (presented to the committee by Mr. Haney) would create a permanent pathway into firefighting careers for formerly incarcerated individuals who served on Cal Fire hand crews, ensuring participants leave custody with official certification and better access to fire-service jobs.
Anthony Pedro, founder and CEO of Future Fire Academy and a formerly incarcerated firefighter, testified about the difficulty of securing credentials and steady employment after release and urged the committee to "certify them" so returning workers can build careers. Prosecutors' and workforce-program representatives also described the bill as a tool to reduce recidivism and expand firefighter recruitment.
Committee members expressed broad support. A motion to refer the bill as amended to the Public Safety Committee carried on a roll call and the bill was reported out of the committee.
Ending: AB 24 83 will proceed to the Assembly Public Safety Committee for consideration of implementation details and any fiscal implications.