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On Edge: Incarcerated Firefighters Await Newsom’s Signature on Pay Raise Bill

September 24, 2025

California's legislature has passed Assembly Bill (AB) 247, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, which would significantly increase pay for incarcerated firefighters from roughly $1 per hour to the federal minimum wage of $7. 25 per hour during active fire incidents. The bill received unanimous bipartisan support in both the Assembly and Senate, with lawmakers acknowledging the critical and dangerous work performed by incarcerated individuals through the Conservation Camp Program.

Who is affected

  • Incarcerated firefighters in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation system
  • California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)
  • Los Angeles County Fire Department (LAC FIRE)
  • Residents of areas protected by firefighting efforts
  • California taxpayers who fund the program

What action is being taken

  • The California legislature has passed AB 247 to increase pay for incarcerated firefighters to $7.25 per hour during active fire incidents
  • Incarcerated fire crews are actively contributing to firefighting efforts, providing 42% of total emergency response hours in 2024
  • The legislature has also passed AB 812 to create regulations for referring incarcerated firefighters to courts for resentencing
  • Governor Newsom is currently considering whether to sign or reject AB 247

Why it matters

  • The current pay for incarcerated firefighters is approximately $1 per hour for dangerous work
  • The pay increase would represent a 700% raise, recognizing their "back-breaking, heroic labor"
  • The Conservation Camp Program is described as the "absolutely best" program for reducing recidivism
  • Incarcerated firefighters perform critical services in wildfire response, including clearing brush, digging fire lines, and preventing fire progression
  • The program provides job opportunities and benefits after release, including advanced training and possible expungement of criminal records

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article beyond awaiting Governor Newsom's decision to sign or reject AB 247, which would go into effect immediately if signed due to its emergency clause.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint