Fire agency must certify prison firefighter training and give ex-inmates a hiring preference
Cal Fire must work with the prison system so eligible people who finish firefighter training in prison get official written certification before release. Later, qualified formerly incarcerated people get hiring preference for Fire Fighter 1 jobs, and their crew time counts toward Forestry Technician requirements.
Who it affects
Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated firefighters and Cal Fire
When
This law takes effect on January 1, 2027; the changes described here start on July 1, 2027.
- : Signed into law
- : Law takes effect
- : The changes described here start to apply: prison firefighter trainees start getting official written training certificates
- : Hiring preference for formerly incarcerated Fire Fighter 1 applicants begins
Official text
California AB 2483: Wildland firefighters: Formerly Incarcerated Firefighter Certification and Employment Program.
On California Legislative Information. The official text is what counts; read it before you act.
Not legal advice. Plain-English summaries to help you find what changes and when. Not legal advice: read the official text, and ask a lawyer about your situation.