Senator Reyes Introduces Legislation to Improve Inmate Fire Crew Expungement Program
(SACRAMENTO) — Today Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) introduced SB 245, legislation that will make improvements to current law which provides a path for incarcerated fire camp participants to receive the necessary licenses to become firefighters once released. The proposed bill aims to make the current program more efficient for those who qualify, ensure licenses are attainable once an expungement is granted, and collect valuable data on the current program's successes.
“As the author of AB 2147, I am incredibly proud of the impact it has made since Governor Newsom signed the legislation in 2020. However, I know there is more work to be done to ensure that formerly incarcerated individuals have a pathway to a better life once they leave the justice system,” said Senator Reyes.
“These hand crew members, who have developed new skills and have voluntarily served their community, deserve this opportunity. Our legislation will expedite the existing program while making key changes to ensure these second chances are truly granted.
“During the LA Fires, incarcerated fire crew members emerged as true heroes, bravely protecting homes and communities from destruction. But upon reentry, many formerly incarcerated fire camp participants still have difficulty obtaining an expungement,” said Sam Lewis, Executive Director for the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, sponsors of SB 245. This new legislation will increase record-sealing opportunities and strengthen second-chance opportunities by automating a portion of the process and providing necessary insight into the outcomes. We thank Senator Reyes for championing this bill and ensuring these heroes can continue their careers as firefighters,”
SB 245 is a follow-up to AB 2147 from 2020. AB 2147, authored by then Assemblymember Reyes, eliminated barriers that prevented formerly incarcerated fire crews from pursuing a career as firefighters once they served time. The bill, signed by Governor Newsom, allows incarcerated individuals who fought to preserve communities either through fighting fires or maintaining and clearing brush as a part of the California Department of Corrections Rehabilitation fire camps, to have their records expunged. This process allows them to qualify for essential licenses such as an Emergency Medical Technician Certification. SB 245 will be heard in the Senate Policy Committee later this year.