LOS ANGELES (May 23, 2025)—California Assembly Bill 1380 has passed Assembly Appropriations and will next be considered on the Assembly Floor. The bill would grant entry-level firefighting certifications to incarcerated firefighters who complete the California Conservation Fire Camp training programs prior to release, breaking down a significant barrier to incarcerated firefighters achieving employment in the firefighting sector post-release.
Incarcerated firefighting hand crews are essential, comprising up to 30% of wildfire crews. Yet upon release, their experience does not grant them the necessary certifications to qualify for entry-level firefighter positions. AB 1380, authored by Assemblymember Sade Elhawary, provides a common-sense opportunity to solve this issue.
“During the recent LA fires, we witnessed the vital role incarcerated fire crews played in protecting our communities,” said Assemblymember Sade Elhawary. “These are people who stepped up and protected our communities- your communities—under the toughest conditions. When they come home, we owe them more than a thanks—we owe them a real chance at the very least.”
“We trust our incarcerated firefighting hand crews with our safety during the most critical moments of disaster, yet fail to extend that same trust when they seek full-time employment in the firefighting sector after their release. It’s not only unjust—it’s absurd,” said Dr. Gary Michelson, Founder and Co-Chair of the Michelson Center for Public Policy. “Invaluable collaboration from CAL FIRE and impacted stakeholders, along with bipartisan support for AB 1380, demonstrate that this bill meets the moment—honoring the service of incarcerated firefighters, creating meaningful pathways to employment, and strengthening public safety.”
“Thank you to everyone who honored our lived expertise in putting this bill together,” said Royal Ramey, Co-Founder and CEO of The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program. “AB1380 addresses a major gap that we recognized in helping incarcerated firefighters access careers as forestry and fire professionals. By recognizing their training and experience while incarcerated, AB1380 invites them to continue filling a critical labor need in our community and find a meaningful career when they return home.”
“Those who’ve fought our wildfires while incarcerated have earned the chance to turn that courage and commitment into a career, said Cristine Soto DeBerry, Executive Director of Prosecutors Alliance Action. “AB 1380 recognizes their value, strengthens our fire response, and helps build safer, more inclusive communities.”
“Los Angeles witnessed the incredible bravery and heroism of incarcerated firefighters during the devastating fires of January 2025”, said Taina Vargas, Executive Director of Initiate Justice Action. “AB 1380 honors their sacrifice and commitment to keeping our communities safe by creating real pathways to employment when they come home from prison.”
###
The Michelson Center for Public Policy is a 501(c)(4) social welfare organization that propels legislative change through meaningful collaboration with elected officials, government agencies, and civic leaders to achieve positive outcomes in education, equity, medical research, and animal welfare. The Michelson Center for Public Policy is an affiliated but separate organization from the Michelson Philanthropies network of foundations (Michelson 20MM Foundation, Michelson Found Animals Foundation, and Michelson Medical Research Foundation) and complements the Michelson Philanthropies’ thought leadership and expertise with bold and effective advocacy. For more information, visit www.michelsonpolicy.org
The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP) is a nonprofit organization that provides career support to formerly incarcerated firefighters and those currently incarcerated in California’s Conservation Camps; who are interested in careers in the Wildland and Forestry sector. FFRP was developed in direct response to the growing need for wildfire-related personnel. Our mission is to increase wildfire personnel from non-traditional and underrepresented communities, providing them the training, skills, resources, and experiences needed to secure gainful employment. https://www.forestryfirerp.org/
Founded and led by Californians directly impacted by the justice system, Initiate Justice Action mobilizes the collective power of system-impacted people to advocate for policies that end mass incarceration. https://ijaction.org/
Prosecutors Alliance Action brings together the voices of prosecutors, victim advocates, and allies to advocate for prosecutorial reform and policy solutions that advance long-term safety and well-being in all communities. For more information, visit www.prosecutorsallianceaction.org.