SACRAMENTO (June 3, 2025)—In a significant win for incarcerated firefighters, California Assembly Bill 1380 has passed the Assembly Floor with unanimous bipartisan support and will now move to the Senate. If passed, this bill would break down historic barriers to incarcerated firefighters achieving employment in the firefighting sector post-release, granting entry-level firefighting certifications to incarcerated firefighters who complete the California Conservation Fire Camp training programs prior to release.
Statements from AB 1380 Author and Co-Sponsors:
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.”
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.”
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.
Cristine Soto DeBerry, Executive Director of Prosecutors Alliance Action: “Those who’ve fought our wildfires while incarcerated have earned the chance to turn that courage and commitment into a career. AB 1380 recognizes their value, strengthens our fire response, and helps build safer, more inclusive communities.”
Taina Vargas, Executive Director of Initiate Justice Action: “Los Angeles witnessed the incredible bravery and heroism of incarcerated firefighters during the devastating fires of January 2025. AB 1380 honors their sacrifice and commitment to keeping our communities safe by creating real pathways to employment when they come home from prison.”
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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
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.