"Assembly Bill 1309, introduced by Republican Assemblymember Heath Flora of Ripon, would've required Cal Fire to pay firefighters within 15% of the average pay of 20 local fire departments across the state in the same ranks. It would've also required Cal Fire's human resources to conduct a survey of fire chief's salaries before Jan. 1, 2027. In recent years, Cal Fire firefighters have argued for increased pay. The increased wages would be used to "recruit and retain the highest qualified and skilled firefighters,""
"According to the bill text, wildfires throughout the past decade have resulted in more than 100 deaths, billions of dollars in damage and "placed overworked firefighters at risk," even as climate change continues to exacerbate the problem. The bill also cites the mental health of Cal Fire firefighters and the physical risk of working long hours. The legislation won wide bipartisan support. The state Senate voted unanimously in favor (minus one absence)."
Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill 1309, which would have required Cal Fire to pay firefighters within 15% of the average pay of 20 local fire departments for the same ranks. The bill would also have required Cal Fire human resources to survey fire chiefs' salaries before Jan. 1, 2027. The bill cited more than 100 wildfire deaths, billions in damage, increased firefighter overwork and mental-health concerns as reasons for pay increases to recruit and retain qualified personnel. The legislation passed the Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support, but the governor said it would create significant state cost pressures and undermine collective bargaining.
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