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AB 252

Relating to: the notice of an investigation of child abuse or neglect or unborn child abuse provided to appropriate authorities of the U.S. Department of Defense. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elijah Behnke and 8 co-sponsors

Requires CAL FIRE to maintain year-round staffing at all stations, phased to full staffing by 2028, with annual reporting and funding to boost continuous wildfire readiness.

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Bill Summary · AB 252

AB 252 — Wildfire protection: Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: staffing

Status: In committee; held under submission (last action: 2025-05-23)
Introduced: January 15, 2025 (Authored by Bains)

Purpose / intent

AB 252 (the "Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act") would require the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) to maintain year‑round staffing at all stations and facilities, reflecting a legislative finding that climate change has created year‑round wildfire risk and that reduced winter staffing undermines public safety and prevention work. The bill also states the Legislature’s intent to pursue subsequent legislation to increase year‑round staffing.

Key provisions

  • Definition of "full staffing levels": the highest combined number of full‑time, part‑time, and seasonal firefighting personnel employed by CAL FIRE in any single month during Jan 1, 2022 – Dec 31, 2024.
  • Year‑round staffing requirement:
    • CAL FIRE must maintain no less than those full staffing levels throughout the calendar year at all stations and facilities on or before January 1, 2028.
    • The department must employ sufficient permanent firefighting personnel to meet this requirement.
  • Implementation schedule (phased increases toward full year‑round staffing):
    • By January 1, 2026: achieve 50% of the required increase in year‑round staffing.
    • By January 1, 2027: achieve 75% of the required increase.
    • By January 1, 2028: achieve 100% and maintain thereafter.
  • Annual reporting to the Legislature (submitted in compliance with Gov. Code §9795) covering:
    • Progress toward implementation
    • Impact on emergency response capabilities
    • Cost analysis and budgetary requirements
    • Recruitment and retention metrics
  • Funding: the Legislature must appropriate sufficient moneys in the annual Budget Act or another statute to implement the article.

Who/what would be affected

  • CAL FIRE operations and staffing model statewide (all stations and facilities under jurisdiction)
  • CAL FIRE personnel: full‑time, part‑time, seasonal firefighters (shift toward more permanent hires)
  • State budget and appropriations process (required funding for implementation)
  • Communities served (potential changes in emergency response capacity and wildfire prevention activities)

Procedural history (selected)

  • 2025-01-15: Introduced and read first time
  • 2025-03-24: Amended and re‑referred to Assembly Natural Resources
  • 2025-04-08: Do pass from Natural Resources; re‑referred to Appropriations
  • 2025-04-23: Set, first hearing; referred to suspense file
  • 2025-05-23: In committee — Held under submission

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Fiscal: likely significant, ongoing personnel and operating costs; explicit requirement that the Legislature appropriate funds.
  • Workforce: increased recruitment, hiring, and retention needs; potential bargaining and classification implications to convert seasonal roles into permanent positions.
  • Operational: may improve year‑round response capacity and prevention activities; implementation requires logistical planning (recruiting, training, facilities).
  • Oversight: annual reporting provides a vehicle for legislative monitoring of progress, costs, and operational effects.

This summary reflects provisions as amended and the bill’s status through May 23, 2025.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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