LOS ANGELES (April 21, 2025)—The Assembly Natural Resources Committee passed AB 1380, the Formerly Incarcerated Firefighter Certification and Employment Program. The bill would grant entry-level firefighting certifications to individuals who successfully participate in California Conservation Fire Camp programs and complete the required trainings prior to their release.
Authored by Assemblymember Sade Elhawary and co-sponsored by The Michelson Center for Public Policy (MCPP), Initiate Justice Action, and Prosecutors Alliance Action, AB 1380 is a critical step towards respecting the service and experience of those risking their lives to protect California communities. In 2024 alone, incarcerated firefighters provided 42% of CAL FIRE’s emergency response hours. Yet upon release, these individuals continue to face overwhelming barriers when attempting to obtain full-time employment in the firefighting sector.
“We can’t keep using people when it’s convenient and discarding them when it’s not. For years, incarcerated individuals have risked their lives on CAL FIRE hand crews—clearing brush, cutting fire lines, and protecting entire communities during our state’s worst wildfires. They’ve done the work, earned the skills, and proven they’re ready. But when they come home, there’s no clear pathway into the very jobs they’ve already trained for—no system built to bring them in. That’s not justice,” said Assemblymember Sade Elhawary. “AB 1380 is about creating real pathways back into society—about honoring people’s humanity, recognizing their service, and believing in their ability to heal, grow, and contribute. This is what restorative justice looks like. We have a responsibility to build systems that offer second chances—and this bill is one step toward doing just that.”
“This bill offers a common-sense opportunity to honor the service of formerly incarcerated firefighters who have risked their lives on the frontlines, add crucial talent to our firefighter forces, and keep communities safe—both by lowering recidivism rates and increasing our disaster preparedness,” said Dr. Gary Michelson, Founder and Co-Chair of Michelson Center for Public Policy.
“Incarcerated firefighters put their lives on the line to protect our communities, and they deserve the opportunity to continue serving as first responders when they return home to their communities. AB 1380 is a smart public safety policy that promotes successful reentry, provides economic stability, and ensures our firefighting crews are adequately staffed with qualified and experienced individuals,” said Cristine Soto DeBerry, Executive Director of Prosecutors Alliance Action.
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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
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.