Criminal procedure.

Senator Reyes's proposal to modify California's criminal record relief system would establish new reporting requirements and automated review processes for individuals who have served on firefighting crews while incarcerated. The legislation requires the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and county authorities to report biannually to the Department of Justice about individuals released after successfully participating in conservation camps, institutional firehouses, or county hand crews.

Beginning July 2026, the Department of Justice would systematically review criminal history records to identify potentially eligible convictions for dismissal, notifying prosecutors who then have 30 days to review cases and register any opposition. Courts retain discretion to grant relief by permitting withdrawal of guilty pleas or setting aside guilty verdicts. The bill prohibits denial of emergency medical technician certification or firefighter licenses based solely on eligible convictions that have been dismissed through this process.

The legislation maintains existing exclusions for serious offenses including murder, kidnapping, rape, and arson. Individuals denied automatic relief remain eligible to petition courts directly. The Department of Justice must update criminal history databases to reflect dismissals and notify certain entities that previously received records about changes. Local agencies would receive state reimbursement for costs associated with the new reporting mandates.