California Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D_Ladera Heights) scored a major legislative win on Oct. 13 when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 247, a measure guaranteeing higher pay for incarcerated firefighters who risk their lives on the front lines of the state’s wildfires.

The new law raises wages for inmates serving as firefighters from as little as $5 a day to at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, marking a historic shift that advocates say recognizes the dignity of their work and the dangers they face. The law also requires that wages be reviewed annually to ensure fairness over time.

For years, California has relied on incarcerated crews to help battle its worsening wildfire seasons. More than 1,800 incarcerated individuals currently serve in the program, with over 1,100 deployed earlier this year to fight the Eaton and Palisades fires, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). 

“This is a historic and momentous day,” said Bryan. “The governor signing the bill is an incredibly powerful reminder that all labor is dignified and anybody who is willing to put their lives on the line deserves our gratitude.”

The bill’s original proposal included a wage of up to $19 per hour for individual hand crew members, but the amount was later reduced through negotiation to the federal minimum wage. 

In addition to AB 247, Newsom signed several related measures expanding benefits for incarcerated firefighters. They include new pathways for record expungement and resentencing, a permanent youth wildfire camp training program, and a $50,000 death benefit for any incarcerated firefighter who dies in the line of duty.

Supporters called the new law a milestone for criminal justice reform and labor equity in California, saying it strengthens rehabilitation opportunities while honoring the service of inmates who help protect the state from devastating wildfires.

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By: Bo Tefu, California Black Media