By Bo Tefu | California Black Media
The California Legislature is moving forward with a bill to increase wages for incarcerated firefighters who work on the front lines of the state’s wildfire battles.
The Senate Public Safety Committee voted July 8 to approve Assembly Bill (AB) 247, authored by Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles). The bill would raise hourly pay for inmate firefighters assigned to active fires from roughly $1per hour to the federal minimum wage of $7.25.
Bryan described the long and difficult shifts these inmates work, especially during the recent wildfires in Los Angeles, some lasting up to 48 hours.
“AB 247 will ensure that incarcerated people on the front line of fire disasters receive fair compensation for their invaluable service during devastating fires,” Bryan said in a bill analysis.
Inmate firefighter Isaiah Nazari, who served in a conservation camp, sent a letter read to the committee noting the disparity in pay compared to professional firefighters. “All lives have value, regardless of incarceration status,” he wrote.
The California State Sheriffs’ Association opposed the bill, citing concerns about increased costs to counties and noting inmates receive sentence reductions for time served in camps. Sen. Kelly Seyarto (R- Murrieta), a retired firefighter, supported the pay increase but warned that funding will be necessary to maintain program participation.
The bill initially proposed a $19 hourly wage but was lowered during negotiations. It now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
At the same hearing, the committee also passed Assembly Bill 938, which would expand state law allowing victims of human trafficking, intimate partner violence, or sexual violence to ask courts to vacate certain convictions. The expansion would include some violent crimes and provide additional legal defenses.
Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland), who authored AB 938, highlighted that several other states have similar laws. Opponents raised concerns about the potential loss of restitution for victims if convictions are vacated.
Both bills now proceed to the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration.
