Inmate firefighters: postsecondary education: enhanced firefighter training and certification program: local handcrew pilot program.

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas's legislation establishes new pathways for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals to pursue firefighting careers through expanded educational programs and specialized training initiatives. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and California Community Colleges Chancellor's office must broaden access to fire science, forestry, and emergency medical technician coursework for Conservation Camp handcrew members and institutional firehouse workers by January 2028.

The bill creates an enhanced firefighter training and certification program at the Ventura Training Center through collaboration between the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, California Conservation Corps, and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Additionally, it authorizes the Los Angeles County Fire Department to implement a five-year Local Handcrew Pilot Program for formerly incarcerated individuals who have completed specified conservation camp programs, institutional firehouse work, or enhanced firefighter training. The fire chief must develop metrics to evaluate the pilot program's outcomes and submit findings to state leadership within 42 months of implementation and upon conclusion.

Both the enhanced training program and pilot program require legislative appropriation to take effect. The bill maintains existing firefighter training opportunities while prohibiting displacement of current fire department personnel. Program delivery may occur through community colleges or accredited private institutions and nonprofits, with mandatory evaluation mechanisms to track implementation progress and results.