Inmate labor: Enhancing Workforce Development for Incarcerated Firefighters Act.
- Establishes a state fund to reinvest cost savings from inmate firefighters into reentry and job training programs.
- Creates a formal hiring pipeline to help formerly incarcerated firefighters secure jobs with fire departments.
- Develops standardized fire science training and certification programs in correctional facilities.
- Requires annual reporting on program outcomes including hiring rates and cost savings through 2030.
Senator Smallwood-Cuevas proposes establishing a comprehensive workforce development and reentry program for incarcerated firefighters, creating new pathways from in-custody training to post-release employment opportunities. The legislation would create the Incarcerated Firefighter Community Reinvestment Fund to capture and redirect cost savings from utilizing incarcerated firefighting crews toward reentry services, job training, and housing support.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation would partner with fire departments and accredited academies to implement standardized fire science curricula and establish a formal hiring pipeline for formerly incarcerated firefighters. The program includes tiered training modules covering advanced leadership, equipment operation, and incident command systems. A new apprenticeship framework would allow individuals to accumulate recognized certification credits during their incarceration.
Beginning in July 2026, the Department of Finance would calculate annual cost differentials between incarcerated and non-incarcerated firefighting crews based on detailed operational data. These savings would fund grants allocated across three categories: community reentry programs (25%), workforce development (35%), and housing initiatives (35%). The departments must submit annual reports to the Legislature documenting program outcomes, cost calculations, and recommendations through 2030.
The measure requires collaboration between corrections officials, fire agencies, community colleges, and workforce development entities to align training standards, ensure credit transferability, and create sustainable employment pathways. Local fire departments may participate through memoranda of understanding offering interview opportunities to qualified candidates who complete the required certifications.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
 Anna CaballeroD Senator | Committee Member |  Not Contacted | |
 Scott WienerD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Lena GonzalezD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Kelly SeyartoR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
 Lola Smallwood-CuevasD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted |
- Establishes a state fund to reinvest cost savings from inmate firefighters into reentry and job training programs.
- Creates a formal hiring pipeline to help formerly incarcerated firefighters secure jobs with fire departments.
- Develops standardized fire science training and certification programs in correctional facilities.
- Requires annual reporting on program outcomes including hiring rates and cost savings through 2030.
This bill was recently introduced. Email the authors to let them know what you think about it.
Introduced By
Senator Smallwood-Cuevas proposes establishing a comprehensive workforce development and reentry program for incarcerated firefighters, creating new pathways from in-custody training to post-release employment opportunities. The legislation would create the Incarcerated Firefighter Community Reinvestment Fund to capture and redirect cost savings from utilizing incarcerated firefighting crews toward reentry services, job training, and housing support.
The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation would partner with fire departments and accredited academies to implement standardized fire science curricula and establish a formal hiring pipeline for formerly incarcerated firefighters. The program includes tiered training modules covering advanced leadership, equipment operation, and incident command systems. A new apprenticeship framework would allow individuals to accumulate recognized certification credits during their incarceration.
Beginning in July 2026, the Department of Finance would calculate annual cost differentials between incarcerated and non-incarcerated firefighting crews based on detailed operational data. These savings would fund grants allocated across three categories: community reentry programs (25%), workforce development (35%), and housing initiatives (35%). The departments must submit annual reports to the Legislature documenting program outcomes, cost calculations, and recommendations through 2030.
The measure requires collaboration between corrections officials, fire agencies, community colleges, and workforce development entities to align training standards, ensure credit transferability, and create sustainable employment pathways. Local fire departments may participate through memoranda of understanding offering interview opportunities to qualified candidates who complete the required certifications.
Anna CaballeroD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Scott WienerD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Lena GonzalezD Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Kelly SeyartoR Senator | Committee Member | Not Contacted | |
Lola Smallwood-CuevasD Senator | Bill Author | Not Contacted |