"Assembly Bill 247, whose author is Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles), raises wages from about $1 an hour to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The wages remain far below the state wage of $16.50 an hour. The legislation takes effect immediately and was expected to pass after Newsom signed a budget this year that allocates $10 million for incarcerated firefighters' wages."
"Working at one of the state's 35 minimum-security fire camps is a voluntary and coveted job, compared with other prison work. Simone Price, director of advocacy and organizing at the Center for Employment Opportunities, one of the bill's many co-sponsors, called the fire work one of the most "dangerous occupations available to individuals who are currently incarcerated." In 2020, Newsom signed a law that allows nonviolent incarcerated people who worked on a conservation camp fire crew to have their records expunged."
Assembly Bill 247 raises wages for state prisoners assigned to battle California wildfires from about $1 an hour to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The increase takes effect immediately and follows a budget allocation of $10 million for incarcerated firefighters' wages. Prison fire crews form a significant component of wildfire response, with more than 1,000 prisoners deployed to recent fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. Inmates clear brush and dig containment lines but do not operate hoses. Fire camp assignments are voluntary and sought after. The California State Sheriffs' Association opposed the increase, citing cost and sentence-credit provisions.
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