Amid the fire harry the state , California on Friday eventually took a step to recognize the important contributions made by put away firefighters over the years . A new law remove barriers that block convict from pursuing professional firefighting career after completing their sentence , giving them a 2nd chance at life after prison .
Gov. Gavin Newsomsigned AB 2147on Friday at the site of the North Complex Fire , which has burn off more than 252,000 Acre and is currently 21 % contained , according toCal Fire . AB 2147 allow inmates that have participated in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation ’s flaming camp to have their deplorable track record strike . This would allow them to pursue anEMT certification , which municipal firefighting section require for utilisation .
OnTwitter , Newsom said that California ’s inmate firefighting program was X one-time and has long needed reform , adding thatformer prisonersshould not be denied the right hand to become professional firefighters in the future .
Inmate firefighters march past an American flag, while led by a fire captain, as they work to put out hot spots from the Tick Fire on 20 December 2024 in Canyon Country, California.Photo: Mario Tama (Getty Images)
“ This lawmaking rights a historic wrong and accredit the sacrifice of thousands of immure multitude who have help struggle wildfire in our State Department , and I would care to give thanks the Legislature for choke this bill , ” Newsom said in astatement .
Eloise Gomez Reyes , the forum member who wrote the bill , said in a statement that the law was about giving 2d chances .
“ Rehabilitation without strategy to ensure the formerly gaol have a career is a nerve tract to recidivism , ” Gomez Reyes stated . “ We must get serious about ply pathways for those that show the determination to release their life history around . ”
Former inmates will have tofile a petitionin county court to have their record expunged . The court also has the authority to beckon their probation , parole or supervised release .
inpatient convict of murder , Brassica napus , kidnapping , any felony punishable by dying or a aliveness time , sexual urge offenses or arson , among others , would not qualify for sculptural relief under this law . nevertheless , con convicted of certain crimes arenot even eligibleto participate in the country ’s flame camp .
The body politic has 43 fire camps in 27 counties . In normal times , it counts on about2,200 incarcerated peopleto work the fervor - line . However , due to the novel coronavirus pandemic , those number are likely lower at the moment . California has beenexpediting the releaseof non - trigger-happy wrongdoer to protect their health during the crisis . It has released at least 331 inmate firefighter since July in both received and expedite release physical process .
Although this law is undoubtedly beneficial for former inmate who desire to engage a firefighting career , we should n’t forget what inmate firefighters have to deal with while they ’re in the program . They make a jaw - dropping $ 5.12 a day pay , with an extra $ 1 an hr when they work the blast - line , to risk their lives fight down wildfires for the state .
Now , sure , this law will make it easy for some inmates to discover job once they ’re out of prison . However , it ’s important that the masses who are risking their life to avail the state of matter be treat decently while they ’re doing so — not just once they ’ve been released — and that begins by giving inmates a enough salary .
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