Existing law establishes the California Fire Service Training and Education Program in the office of the State Fire Marshal. Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal, with policy guidance and advice from the State Board of Fire Services, to carry out the management of the program. Existing law authorizes the State Fire Marshal to, among other things, establish and collect admission fees and other fees that may be necessary to be charged for seminars, conferences, and specialized training given, as provided. Existing law also authorizes the State Fire Marshal to establish and collect fees to implement the California Fire and Arson Training Act, which requires the State Fire Marshal to, among other things, establish and make recommendations related to minimum standards for fire protection personnel and fire personnel instructors, develop course curricula for arson, fire technology, and apprenticeship training, and promote the California Fire Academy System, as provided.

This bill would instead authorize the State Fire Marshal to establish and collect the admission fees and other fees associated with the California Fire Service Training and Education Program, and to establish the fees to implement the California Fire and Arson Training Act, only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of the activities eligible to be paid from those fees.

Existing law establishes the California Fire Service Training and Education Program in the office of the State Fire Marshal. Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal, with policy guidance and advice from the State Board of Fire Services, to carry out the management of the program. Existing law authorizes the State Fire Marshal to, among other things, establish and collect admission fees and other fees that may be necessary to be charged for seminars, conferences, and specialized training given, as provided. Existing law also authorizes the State Fire Marshal to establish and collect fees to implement the California Fire and Arson Training Act, which requires the State Fire Marshal to, among other things, establish and make recommendations related to minimum standards for fire protection personnel and fire personnel instructors, develop course curricula for arson, fire technology, and apprenticeship training, and promote the California Fire Academy System, as provided.

This bill would instead authorize the State Fire Marshal to establish and collect the admission fees and other fees associated with the California Fire Service Training and Education Program, and to establish the fees to implement the California Fire and Arson Training Act, only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of the activities eligible to be paid from those fees.

Existing law establishes the California Fire Service Training and Education Program in the office of the State Fire Marshal. Existing law requires the State Fire Marshal, with policy guidance and advice from the State Board of Fire Services, to carry out the management of the program. Existing law authorizes the State Fire Marshal to, among other things, establish and collect admission fees and other fees that may be necessary to be charged for seminars, conferences, and specialized training given, as provided. Existing law also authorizes the State Fire Marshal to establish and collect fees to implement the California Fire and Arson Training Act, which requires the State Fire Marshal to, among other things, establish and make recommendations related to minimum standards for fire protection personnel and fire personnel instructors, develop course curricula for arson, fire technology, and apprenticeship training, and promote the California Fire Academy System, as provided.

This bill would instead authorize the State Fire Marshal to establish and collect the admission fees and other fees associated with the California Fire Service Training and Education Program, and to establish the fees to implement the California Fire and Arson Training Act, only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of the activities eligible to be paid from those fees.

SENATE THIRD READING

STR Bill Id:SB 345

Author:(Hurtado)

As Introduced Ver:February 12, 2025

Majority vote

SUMMARY

This bill authorizes the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to establish and collect fees associated with the California Fire Service Training and Education Program (CFSTEP) and California Fire and Arson Training Act (Act) only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of CFSTEP and Act activities, instead of generally authorizing the SFM to establish and collect such fees.

Major Provisions

1) Authorizes the SFM to establish and collect specified admission fees only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources for those seminars, conferences, and specialized training are insufficient to cover the necessary costs associated with CFSTEP.

2) Authorizes the SFM to establish fees only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources for the purposes of implementing the Act are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of the activities eligible to be paid from those fees.

COMMENTS

Background: This bill would authorize SFM to establish and collect the admission fees and other fees associated with the CFSTEP, and to establish the fees to implement the California Fire and Arson Training Act, only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of the activities eligible to be paid from those fees.

Equity impact: According to the author's office, "When the State Fire Training (SFT) program was established in California, it relied on user fees to recover the cost of staff, course development and certification. Over the years the fire service has become more professional and certifications are now required for every position in the fire service. To generate enough revenue, fees needed to be raised by over 200% and in some cases 400%. This sharp rise in costs has resulted in courses and certification becoming unaffordable to volunteer firefighters and individuals seeking entry level positions. SB 345 allows the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program. The bill would make the same change relative to the California Fire and Arson Training Act. Senate Bill 345 aims to address the escalating costs of fire training programs, and ensure that individuals who were priced out of the fire service are afforded equitable opportunities. By mitigating the financial burden associated with fire training and certification, this bill seeks to foster accessibility to this field regardless of an individual’s financial situation."

California State Fire Training (SFT): The SFT is a division within the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), which establishes, develops, and delivers standardized training and education for the California fire service. The SFT annually develops a curriculum development plan for courses to be updated or added to the CFSTEP. SFT curriculum is designed using the State Fire Training Curriculum Development Model. SFT is responsible for establishing the rules and regulations, course development, course delivery, and testing for over 75 courses and certificates. These courses are critical to training firefighters to provide state-of-the-art protection to everyone in need in the state. The program includes pre-servicing training through 60 accredited community colleges, accredited fire academies, and private vendors. Over 10,000 paid and volunteer firefighters participate in these programs every year. These training programs are expanding to meet the reality of California, where wildfires, floods, and other disasters occur year-round.

According to the Author

In order to combat future California wildfires, our first responders should have every resource possible to help save lives and safeguard communities. A fully staffed and well trained firefighting force is essential to successfully combating fires in the state. However, rising training fees can deter individuals from choosing a career in the fire service. SB 345 aims to address rising training costs by permitting the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program. Permitting the State Fire Marshall to receive additional funding sources for training programs will help to mitigate rising fees for those seeking fire training certification. California cannot afford to let high training costs stand in the way of public safety.

Arguments in Support

The California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) write, "to express their support for Senate Bill 345, which improves access to firefighter training by allowing the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program. SB 345 directly addresses this issue by expanding funding options, ensuring that firefighters, fire departments, and students have access to affordable, high-quality training. With California facing increasingly complex fire conditions, now is the time to invest in the next generation of firefighters by making training both accessible and sustainable."

The City of Tulare writes, "California State Fire Training (SFT) provides curriculum and certification to current fire department firefighters, and individuals seeking a career in the fire service. Over the years the fire service has become more professional, and certifications are now required for every position in the fire service. To generate enough revenue, fees needed to be raised by over 200% and in some cases as high as 400%. This has resulted in courses and certification becoming unaffordable to volunteer firefighters and for individuals seeking entry level positions. SB 345 allows the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program."

Arguments in Opposition

None on file.

FISCAL COMMENTS

According to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations, "Cost pressures of an unknown, but potentially significant, amount to the state by limiting the authority of the SFM to collect specified fees only when state appropriations and other funding sources cannot cover the costs, thus signaling that such appropriations are a legislative priority (General Fund). The California State Fire Training (SFT) division within the SFM does not generally receive state budget appropriations, as the program is fully funded through user fees."

VOTES

SENATE FLOOR: 38-0-2

YES: Allen, Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta, Arreguín, Ashby, Becker, Blakespear, Cabaldon, Caballero, Cervantes, Choi, Cortese, Dahle, Durazo, Gonzalez, Grayson, Grove, Hurtado, Jones, Laird, McGuire, McNerney, Menjivar, Niello, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Pérez, Richardson, Rubio, Seyarto, Smallwood-Cuevas, Stern, Strickland, Umberg, Valladares, Wahab, Weber Pierson, Wiener

ABS, ABST OR NV: Limón, Reyes

ASM EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT: 7-0-0

YES: Ransom, Hadwick, Arambula, Bains, Bennett, Calderon, DeMaio

ASM APPROPRIATIONS: 15-0-0

YES: Wicks, Sanchez, Arambula, Calderon, Caloza, Dixon, Elhawary, Fong, Mark González, Ahrens, Pacheco, Pellerin, Solache, Ta, Tangipa

UPDATED

VERSION: February 12, 2025

CONSULTANT: Mike Dayton / E.M. / (916) 319-3802 FN: 0001313

Date of Hearing: July 16, 2025

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Buffy Wicks, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 345

Author:(Hurtado) – As Introduced Ver:February 12, 2025

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: >

SUMMARY:

This bill authorizes the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to establish and collect fees associated with the California Fire Service Training and Education Program (Program) and California Fire and Arson Training Act (Act) only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of Program and Act activities, instead of generally authorizing the SFM to establish and collect such fees.

FISCAL EFFECT:

Cost pressures of an unknown, but potentially significant, amount to the state by limiting the authority of the SFM to collect specified fees only when state appropriations and other funding sources cannot cover the costs, thus signaling that such appropriations are a legislative priority (General Fund). The California State Fire Training (SFT) division within the SFM does not generally receive state budget appropriations, as the program is fully funded through user fees.

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author:

A fully staffed and well trained firefighting force is essential to successfully combating fires in the state. However, rising training fees can deter individuals from choosing a career in the fire service. SB 345 aims to address rising training costs by permitting the [SFM] to accept additional funding sources for the [Program]…California cannot afford to let high training costs stand in the way of public safety.

This bill is sponsored by the California Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Districts Association of California and supported by various local fire departments and districts.

1. Fire Training Historically Supported by Participant Fees. The SFT division within the SFM establishes, develops, and delivers standardized training and education for the California fire service, with over 10,000 paid and volunteer firefighters participating in these programs every year. Although the Program originally began under the California Department of Education, the Program transferred to the SFM in 1978 to provide a self-supporting training infrastructure for California’s fire service paid for by participant fees. The SFT collects fees for services provided, including issuing course diplomas, applying for certification, taking certification exams, and accrediting training academies.

In September 2019, a sub-group of the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee (STEAC) was formed to update SFT fees based on historical system use. The sub-group’s proposed fees were then approved by the full STEAC and the State Board of Fire Service, before a rulemaking package went through the Office of Administrative Law process to be codified into the California Code of Regulations. The SFT implemented the fee adjustments in January 2021. This bill allows such fees to be collected only if state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of Program and Act activities.

1. Prior Legislation. SB 577 (Hurtado), of the 2023-24 Legislative Session, was substantially similar to this bill. After passing this committee’s suspense file, SB 577 was amended to address an unrelated issue.

Analysis Prepared by: Irene Ho / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: June 30, 2025

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Rhodesia Ransom, Chair

SBPCA Bill Id:SB 345

Author:(Hurtado) – As Introduced Ver:February 12, 2025

SENATE VOTE: 38-0

SUBJECT: California Fire Service Training and Education Program: California Fire and Arson Training Act: fees

SUMMARY: Allows the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to collect admission fees for seminars, conferences, and specialized trainings associated with the California Fire Services Training and Education Program and the California Fire and Arson Training Act, as specified. Specifically, this bill:

1) Authorizes the SFM to establish and collect specified admission fees only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources for those seminars, conferences, and specialized training are insufficient to cover the necessary costs associated with CFSTEP.

2) Authorizes the SFM to establish fees only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources for the purposes of implementing the Act are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of the activities eligible to be paid from those fees.

EXISTING LAW:

1) Establishes CFSTEP, within the office of the SFM, and requires the SFM – with policy guidance and advice from the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) – to carry out the management of the program, as specified.

2) Authorizes the SFM to, among other things, establish and collect admission fees and other fees that may be necessary to be charged for seminars, conferences, and specialized training given, as specified.

3) Authorizes the SFM to establish and collect fees to implement the Act, which requires the SFM to, among other things, establish and make recommendations related to minimum standards for fire protection personnel and fire personnel instructors, develop course curricula for arson, fire technology, and apprenticeship training, and promote the California Fire Academy System, as specified.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Senate Committee on Appropriations, “Unknown fiscal impact to the SFM (California Fire and Arson Training Fund). This bill limits the SFM’s ability to collect training fees to the amount that is not covered by state appropriations or other funding sources. The California State Fire Training Division (SFT) within the SFM does not generally receive state budget appropriations, as the program is currently fully funded through user fees. If state or other funding is allocated to the SFT, then the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) anticipates decreased costs for trainings and certifications to some extent. This may result in an increase in overall course participation and subsequent increased administrative workload for SFT. Since the amount of interest generated by reduced course costs to applicants cannot be known at this time since no additional funding has been allocated to the program, CAL FIRE assumes this workload increase would be absorbable. However, to the extent that any subsequent workload increase is significant, then there may be additional cost pressures to SFT if appropriated funding and user fees are insufficient to cover its administrative costs.”

COMMENTS:

Purpose of the bill: According to the author, “in order to combat future California wildfires, our first responders should have every resource possible to help save lives and safeguard communities. A fully staffed and well trained firefighting force is essential to successfully combating fires in the state. However, rising training fees can deter individuals from choosing a career in the fire service. SB 345 aims to address rising training costs by permitting the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program. Permitting the State Fire Marshall to receive additional funding sources for training programs will help to mitigate rising fees for those seeking fire training certification. California cannot afford to let high training costs stand in the way of public safety.”

Equity impact: According to the author’s office, “When the State Fire Training (SFT) program was established in California, it relied on user fees to recover the cost of staff, course development and certification. Over the years the fire service has become more professional and certifications are now required for every position in the fire service. To generate enough revenue, fees needed to be raised by over 200% and in some cases 400%. This sharp rise in costs has resulted in courses and certification becoming unaffordable to volunteer firefighters and individuals seeking entry level positions. SB 345 allows the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program. The bill would make the same change relative to the California Fire and Arson Training Act. Senate Bill 345 aims to address the escalating costs of fire training programs, and ensure that individuals who were priced out of the fire service are afforded equitable opportunities. By mitigating the financial burden associated with fire training and certification, this bill seeks to foster accessibility to this field regardless of an individual’s financial situation.”

Background: This bill would authorize SFM to establish and collect the admission fees and other fees associated with the CFSTEP, and to establish the fees to implement the California Fire and Arson Training Act, only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of the activities eligible to be paid from those fees.

California State Fire Training (SFT): The SFT is a division within the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), which establishes, develops, and delivers standardized training and education for the California fire service. The SFT annually develops a curriculum development plan for courses to be updated or added to the CFSTES and CFSTEP. SFT curriculum is designed using the State Fire Training Curriculum Development Model. SFT is responsible for establishing the rules and regulations, course development, course delivery, and testing for over 75 courses and certificates. These courses are critical to training firefighters to provide state-of-the-art protection to everyone in need in the state. The program includes pre-servicing training through 60 accredited community colleges, accredited fire academies, and private vendors. Over 10,000 paid and volunteer firefighters participate in these programs every year. These training programs are expanding to meet the reality of California, where wildfires, floods, and other disasters occur year-round.

Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM): OSFM’s mission is to protect life and property by developing and applying fire prevention engineering, education, and enforcement. The principal functions of OFSM are to foster, promote and develop ways and means of protecting life and property against fire and panic. OSFM achieves these functions through several major program elements, including engineering, education, enforcement, and the State Board of Fire Services (Board) support. The Board provides a forum for addressing fire protection and prevention issues of statewide concern; develops technical and performance standards for training of fire service personnel; accredits curriculum; establishes policy for the certification system for the California Fire Service; advises the SFM on the dissemination of regulations; and sits as an appeals board on the application of California State Fire Marshal regulations.

OSFM provides support through various fire safety responsibilities and building regulations (controlling substances, regulating hazardous liquid pipelines, reviewing regulations and building standards, and providing training and education). OSFM operates several different divisions (CFSTES, CFSTEP, California Fire Service Census, and California Fire Academy) that deal with statewide activities, such as code enforcement in state-owned buildings, setting standards for testing and listing of fire protection materials and equipment, arson and bomb investigation, and pipeline safety.

To successfully receive a California OSFM certification or to register as an Instructor or lead/skills evaluator position, the Fire Chief or authorized signatory signing the certification task book or experience letter must be listed in the SFT Authorized Chief database before the certification task book or experience letter can be approved.

Arguments in support: The California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) write, “to express their support for Senate Bill 345, which improves access to firefighter training by allowing the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program. SB 345 directly addresses this issue by expanding funding options, ensuring that firefighters, fire departments, and students have access to affordable, high-quality training. With California facing increasingly complex fire conditions, now is the time to invest in the next generation of firefighters by making training both accessible and sustainable.”

The City of Tulare writes, “California State Fire Training (SFT) provides curriculum and certification to current fire department firefighters, and individuals seeking a career in the fire service. Over the years the fire service has become more professional, and certifications are now required for every position in the fire service. To generate enough revenue, fees needed to be raised by over 200% and in some cases as high as 400%. This has resulted in courses and certification becoming unaffordable to volunteer firefighters and for individuals seeking entry level positions. SB 345 allows the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program. The bill would make the same change relative to the California Fire and Arson Training Act. Due to the enormous risk of fire and other disasters that face California, we must make State Fire Training an affordable solution for our paid and volunteer firefighters, as well as students wishing to enter the fire service.

For these reasons, the City of Tulare supports SB 345 (Hurtado) and respectfully asks for your AYE vote.”

Related legislation: SB 662 (Alvarado-Gil, 2025) extends, from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2031, the repeal date on the statutory requirement that CAL FIRE establish a statewide program to allow qualifying entities to support and augment CAL FIRE in its defensible space and home hardening assessment and education efforts, as specified. (SB 662 was held in Senate Committee on Appropriations.)

AB 1457 (Bryan, 2025) requires CAL FIRE to include training consistent with the “Home Ignition Zone/Defensible Space Inspector” course plan, established by the SFM, to ensure that individuals are trained to conduct home ignition zone inspections, as specified. (AB 1457 is pending in the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water.)

Prior legislation: SB 577 (Hurtado, 2023) would have limited the SFM’s ability to establish and collect admission fees and other fees associated with FSTEP and the Act only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs associated with those programs and activities, as specified. (Gutted and Amended into an Unrelated Issue)

AB 662 (Rodriguez, Chapter 575, Statutes of 2022) among other things, required the SFM to establish additional training standards that include the criteria for curriculum content recommended by the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee involving peer-to-peer suicide prevention programming, as specified, and required the SFM to coordinate with Cal-JAC to develop and deliver curriculum, as specified.

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

Berkeley Fire Department

California Fire Chiefs Association

California Special Districts Association

City of Oxnard Fire Department

City of Tulare

El Dorado County Emergency Services Authority

Fire Districts Association of California

Fremont Fire Department

Georgetown Fire Protection District

Lake County Fire Protection District

North County Fire Authority

North County Fire Protection District

Orange County Fire Authority

Penn Valley Fire Protection District

Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District

Sacramento County Airport Fire

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District

San Jose Fire Department

Sanger Fire Department

Scotts Valley Fire Protection District

Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association

Sonoma County Fire District

Sonoma Valley Fire District

Southern Marin Fire Protection District

Woodbridge Rural County Fire Protection District

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Mike Dayton / E.M. / (916) 319-3802

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: SB 345

Author: Hurtado (D)

Introduced: 2/12/25

Vote: 21

SENATE GOVERNMENTAL ORG. COMMITTEE: 13-0, 3/25/25

AYES: Padilla, Valladares, Archuleta, Ashby, Blakespear, Cervantes, Hurtado, Jones, Ochoa Bogh, Richardson, Rubio, Wahab, Weber Pierson

NO VOTE RECORDED: Dahle, Smallwood-Cuevas

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 6-0, 5/23/25

AYES: Caballero, Seyarto, Cabaldon, Grayson, Richardson, Wahab

NO VOTE RECORDED: Dahle

SUBJECT: California Fire Service Training and Education Program: California Fire and Arson Training Act: fees

SOURCE: California Fire Chiefs Association and Fire Districts Association of California

DIGEST:

This bill limits the State Fire Marshal’s (SFM) ability to establish and collect admission fees associated with the California Service Training Education Program and the California Fire and Arson Training Act only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs associated with those programs and activities, as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes California Service Training Education Program, within the office of the SFM, and requires the SFM – with policy guidance and advice from the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) – to carry out the management of the program, as specified.
2. Authorizes the SFM to, among other things, establish and collect admission fees and other fees that may be necessary to be charged for seminars, conferences, and specialized training given, as specified.
3. Authorizes the SFM to establish and collect fees to implement the California Fire and Arson Training Act, which requires the SFM to, among other things, establish and make recommendations related to minimum standards for fire protection personnel and fire personnel instructors, develop course curricula for arson, fire technology, and apprenticeship training, and promote the California Fire Academy System, as specified.

This bill:

1. Authorizes the SFM to establish and collect specified admission fees only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources for those seminars, conferences, and specialized training are insufficient to cover the necessary costs associated with the California Service Training Education Program.
2. Authorizes the SFM to establish fees only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources for the purposes of implementing the California Fire and Arson Training Act are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of the activities eligible to be paid from those fees.

Background

Author Statement. According to the author’s office, “in order to combat future California wildfires, our first responders should have every resource possible to help save lives and safeguard communities. A fully staffed and well trained firefighting force is essential to successfully combating fires in the state. However, rising training fees can deter individuals from choosing a career in the fire service. SB 345 aims to address rising training costs by permitting the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program. Permitting the State Fire Marshall to receive additional funding sources for training programs will help to mitigate rising fees for those seeking fire training certification. California cannot afford to let high training costs stand in the way of public safety.”

Office of the State Fire Marshal. The mission of the SFM is to protect life and property through the development and application of fire prevention engineering, education and enforcement. The SFM supports the mission of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) by focusing on fire prevention. The Office of the SFM provides support through a wide variety of fire safety responsibilities including.

State Board of Fire Services. The SBFS is an 18-member advisory board chaired by the SFM. The SBFS is comprised of representatives of fire service labor, fire chiefs, fire districts, volunteer firefighters, city and county government, Office of Emergency Services, and the insurance industry. The SBFS provides a forum for addressing fire protection and prevention issues of statewide concern; develops technical and performance standards for training of fire service personnel; accredits curriculum; establishes policy for the certification system for the California Fire Service; advises the SFM on dissemination of regulations; and sits as an appeals board.

California State Fire Training. The California State Fire Training (SFT) is a division within the Office of the SFM, which establishes, develops, and delivers standardized training and education for the California fire service. The SFT annually develops a curriculum development plan for courses to be updated or added to the California Fire Service Training and Education Program.

SFT curriculum is designed using the State Fire Training Curriculum Development Model. SFT is responsible for establishing the rules and regulations, course development, course delivery, and testing for over 75 courses and certificates. These courses are critical to training firefighters to provide state-of-the-art protection to everyone in need in the state. The program includes pre-servicing training through 60 accredited community colleges, accredited fire academies, and private vendors. Over 10,000 paid and volunteer firefighters participate in these programs every year. And these training programs are expanding to meet the reality of California, where wildfires, floods, and other disasters occur year-round.

When the program was transferred from the Department of Education to the SFM, the legislative intent for establishing the California Fire and Arson Training Fund was to provide a self-supporting training infrastructure for California’s fire service. Due to this, the SFT is a self-funded program that is paid for by participant’s fees. The SFT collects fees for services provided, including course diplomas, applying for certification, taking certification exams, and Accredited Local Academy and Accredited Regional Training Programs as accreditations.

In September 2019, the SFM updated its training and education fees based on historical system use. A sub-group of the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee was formed to set the proposed fees. The proposed fees then went to the full committee and the SBFS for approval. After the approval, a rulemaking package went through the Office of Administrative Law process to be codified in the California Code of Regulations. The SFT implemented the fee adjustments in January 2021.

For comparison, the below table outlines original and adjusted fees for several SFT services. This information was taken from the SFT’s September 2019 Fee Report and 2019-20 Annual Report. Not all services are listed.

According to the SFT 2023 Annual Report, the SFT saw a roughly 10% increase in courses, diplomas, and overall student hours in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 compared to FY 2022, while student totals remained nearly the same.

This bill specifies that the SFM may establish and collect admission fees and other fees necessary for seminars, conferences, and specialized trainings only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary cost of administering those seminars, conferences, and specialized trainings under the California Fire Services Training and Education Program and the California Fire and Arson Training Act.

Prior/Related Legislation

SB 514 (Cabaldon, 2025) repeals, among other things, the sunset provisions on Cal FIRE’s statewide program to support its defensible space inspection and home hardening assessment and education efforts, including its training pilot program for qualified organizations and individual volunteers, as specified. (Pending on the Senate Floor)

SB 662 (Alvarado-Gil, 2025) extends for five years the sunsets on Cal FIRE’s statewide program to support its defensible space inspection and home hardening assessment and education efforts, including its training pilot program for volunteers to January 1, 2031, as specified. (Pending in the Senate Appropriation Committee)

AB 1457 (Bryan, 2025) removes sunset dates related to Cal FIRE’s defensible space and home hardening assessment programs, and associated reporting and training requirements; and, requires the training programs to provide training consistent with the “Home Ignition Zone/Defensible Space Inspector” course plan, established by the SFM, as specified. (Pending in the Assembly Appropriations Committee)

SB 577 (Chapter 444, Statutes of 2024) would have limited the SFM’s ability to establish and collect admission fees and other fees associated with CFSTEP and the Act only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs associated with those programs and activities, as specified. (Gutted and Amended into an Unrelated Issue)

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, unknown fiscal impact to the SFM (California Fire and Arson Training Fund). This bill limits the SFM’s ability to collect training fees to the amount that is not covered by state appropriations or other funding sources. The SFT division, within the SFM, does not generally receive state budget appropriations, as the program is currently fully funded through user fees.

If state or other funding is allocated to the SFT, then Cal FIRE anticipates decreased costs for trainings and certifications to some extent. This may result in an increase in overall course participation and subsequent increased administrative workload for SFT. Since the amount of interest generated by reduced course costs to applicants cannot be known at this time since no additional funding has been allocated to the program, Cal FIRE assumes this workload increase would be absorbable. However, to the extent that any subsequent workload increase is significant, then there may be additional cost pressures to SFT if appropriated funding and user fees are insufficient to cover its administrative costs.

Senate Appropriations Committee staff further notes that, alternative funding sources for the SFT are unpredictable given changing state budget conditions and the availability of federal grants or other private sources. It is unknown if the SFT would be required to reevaluate and adjust its course fee structure to reflect appropriations to the program as they become available. If so, SFT may incur additional administrative costs to adjust its fees to align with the receipt of alternative funding sources.

SUPPORT: (Verified 5/23/25)

California Fire Chiefs Association (Co-source)

Fire Districts Association of California (Co-source)

Berkeley Fire Department

City of Tulare

El Dorado County Emergency Services Authority

Fremont Fire Department

Georgetown Fire Protection District

Lake County Fire Protection District

North County Fire Authority

Oxnard Fire Department

Pen Valley Fire Protection District

Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District

Sacramento County Airport Fire

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District

San Jose Fire Department

Sanger Fire Department

Scotts Valley Fire Protection District

Sonoma County Fire Chiefs Association

Sonoma County Fire District

Sonoma Valley Fire District

Southern Marin Fire Protection District

Woodbridge Rural County Fire Protection District

OPPOSITION: (Verified 5/23/25)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: In support of this bill, the cosponsors write, “[a] fully staffed and well-trained fire service is essential to protecting communities from California’s growing wildfire threats and other emergencies. However, the significant increase in training fees – rising by 200% to 400% in some cases – has made certification unaffordable for many volunteer firefighters and those seeking entry-level positions in the fire service. This financial burden threatens recruitment efforts and could limit the availability of qualified personnel when they are needed most.

“SB 345 directly addresses the issue by expanding funding options, ensuring that firefighters, fire departments, and students have access to affordable, high-quality training. With California facing increasingly complex fire conditions, now is the time to invest in the next generation of firefighters by making training both accessible and sustainable.”

Prepared by: Brian Duke / G.O. / (916) 651-1530

5/25/25 16:15:09

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SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Anna Caballero, Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular Session

SB 345 (Hurtado) - California Fire Service Training and Education Program: California Fire and Arson Training Act: fees

Bill Summary:

SB 345 limits how the State Fire Marshal (SFM) establishes and collects admission fees for seminars, conferences, and specialized trainings associated with the California Fire Services Training and Education Program and the California Fire and Arson Training Act, as specified.

Fiscal Impact:

Unknown fiscal impact to the SFM (California Fire and Arson Training Fund). This bill limits the SFM’s ability to collect training fees to the amount that is not covered by state appropriations or other funding sources. The California State Fire Training Division (SFT) within the SFM does not generally receive state budget appropriations, as the program is currently fully funded through user fees.

If state or other funding is allocated to the SFT, then the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) anticipates decreased costs for trainings and certifications to some extent. This may result in an increase in overall course participation and subsequent increased administrative workload for SFT. Since the amount of interest generated by reduced course costs to applicants cannot be known at this time since no additional funding has been allocated to the program, CAL FIRE assumes this workload increase would be absorbable. However, to the extent that any subsequent workload increase is significant, then there may be additional cost pressures to SFT if appropriated funding and user fees are insufficient to cover its administrative costs.

Background:

The Office of the SFM provides support to CAL FIRE through a wide variety of fire safety responsibilities including: regulating buildings in which people live, congregate, or are confined; by controlling substances and products which may, in and of themselves, or by their misuse, cause injuries, death and destruction by fire; by providing statewide direction for fire prevention within wildland areas; by regulating hazardous liquid pipelines; by developing and reviewing regulations and building standards; and by providing training and education in fire protection methods and responsibilities.

In 1978, the California Department of Education transferred responsibility of California Fire Service Training and Education Program to the SFM. The SFT is the division of the SFM that establishes, develops, and delivers standardized training and education for the California fire service. The SFT oversees the California Fire Service Training and Education Program, which consists of two main program elements: the California Fire Service Training and Education System (CFSTES) and the Fire Service Training and Education Program (FSTEP).

When the program transferred to the SFM, the legislative intent for establishing the California Fire and Arson Training Fund was to provide a self-supporting training infrastructure for California’s fire service. Due to this, the SFT is a self-funded program that is paid for by participant’s fees. The SFT collects fees for services provided, including course diplomas, applying for certification, taking certification exams, and Accredited Local Academy and Accredited Regional Training Programs accreditations.

In September 2019, the SFM updated its training and education fees based on historical system use. A sub-group of the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee (STEAC) was formed to set the proposed fees. The proposed fees then went to STEAC and the State Board of Fire Service for approval. After the approval, a rulemaking package went through the Office of Administrative Law process to be codified into the California Code of Regulations. The SFT implemented the fee adjustments in January 2021.

For comparison, the below table outlines original and adjusted fees for several SFT services. This information was taken from the SFT’s September 2019 Fee Report and 2019-20 Annual Report. Not all services are listed.

According to the SFT 2023 Annual Report, the SFT saw a roughly 10 percent increase in courses, diplomas, and overall student hours in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 compared to FY 2022, while student totals remained nearly the same.

Proposed Law:

Specifies the SFM may establish and collect admission fees and other fees necessary for seminars, conferences, and specialized trainings only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary cost of administering those seminars, conferences, and specialized trainings under the California Fire Services Training and Education Program and the California Fire and Arson Training Act.

Related Legislation:

SB 662 (Alvarado-Gil, 2025) extends, from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2031, the repeal date on the statutory requirement that CAL FIRE establish a statewide program to allow qualifying entities to support and augment CAL FIRE in its defensible space and home hardening assessment and education efforts, as specified. SB 662 is pending in the Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee.

AB 1457 (Bryan, 2025) requires CAL FIRE to include training consistent with the “Home Ignition Zone/Defensible Space Inspector” course plan, established by the SFM, to ensure that individuals are trained to conduct home ignition zone inspections, as specified. AB 1457 is pending in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.

Staff Comments: Alternative funding sources for the SFT are unpredictable given changing state budget conditions and the availability of federal grants or other private sources. It is unknown if the SFT would be required to reevaluate and adjust its course fee structure to reflect appropriations to the program as they become available. If so, SFT may incur additional administrative costs to adjust its fees to align with the receipt of alternative funding sources.

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SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATION

Senator Steve Padilla

Chair

2025 - 2026 Regular

Bill No: 345 Hearing Date: 3/25/2025

SUBJECT: California Fire Service Training and Education Program: California Fire and Arson Training Act: fees

DIGEST: This bill limits the State Fire Marshal’s (SFM) ability to establish and collect admission fees and other fees associated with the California Service Training Education Program (CFSTEP) and the California Fire and Arson Training Act (Act) only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs associated with those programs and activities, as specified.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Establishes CFSTEP, within the office of the SFM, and requires the SFM – with policy guidance and advice from the State Board of Fire Services (SBFS) – to carry out the management of the program, as specified.
2. Authorizes the SFM to, among other things, establish and collect admission fees and other fees that may be necessary to be charged for seminars, conferences, and specialized training given, as specified.
3. Authorizes the SFM to establish and collect fees to implement the Act, which requires the SFM to, among other things, establish and make recommendations related to minimum standards for fire protection personnel and fire personnel instructors, develop course curricula for arson, fire technology, and apprenticeship training, and promote the California Fire Academy System, as specified.

This bill:

1. Authorizes the SFM to establish and collect specified admission fees only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources for those seminars, conferences, and specialized training are insufficient to cover the necessary costs associated with CFSTEP.
2. Authorizes the SFM to establish fees only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources for the purposes of implementing the Act are insufficient to cover the necessary costs of the activities eligible to be paid from those fees.

Background

Author Statement. According to the author’s office, “in order to combat future California wildfires, our first responders should have every resource possible to help save lives and safeguard communities. A fully staffed and well trained firefighting force is essential to successfully combating fires in the state. However, rising training fees can deter individuals from choosing a career in the fire service. SB 345 aims to address rising training costs by permitting the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program. Permitting the State Fire Marshall to receive additional funding sources for training programs will help to mitigate rising fees for those seeking fire training certification. California cannot afford to let high training costs stand in the way of public safety.”

Office of the State Fire Marshal. The mission of the SFM is to protect life and property through the development and application of fire prevention engineering, education and enforcement. The SFM supports the mission of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal FIRE) by focusing on fire prevention. The Office of the SFM provides support through a wide variety of fire safety responsibilities including: regulating buildings in which people live, congregate, or are confined; by controlling substances and products which may, in and of themselves, or by their misuse, cause injuries, death and destruction by fire; by providing statewide direction for fire prevention within wildland areas; by regulating hazardous liquid pipelines; by developing and reviewing regulations and building standards; and by providing training and education in fire protection methods and responsibilities.

State Board of Fire Services. The SBFS is an 18-member advisory board to the SFM. The SBFS is comprised of representatives of fire service labor, fire chiefs, fire districts, volunteer firefighters, city and county government, Office of Emergency Services, and the insurance industry. The SBFS is chaired by the SFM. The SBFS provides a forum for addressing fire protection and prevention issues of statewide concern; develops technical and performance standards for training of fire service personnel; accredits curriculum; establishes policy for the certification system for the California Fire Service; advises the SFM on dissemination of regulations; and sits as an appeals board on the application of SFM regulations.

California State Fire Training. The California State Fire Training (SFT) is a division within the Office of the SFM, which establishes, develops, and delivers standardized training and education for the California fire service. The SFT annually develops a curriculum development plan for courses to be updated or added to the California Fire Service Training and Education System (CFSTES) and CFSTEP. SFT curriculum is designed using the State Fire Training Curriculum Development Model. SFT is responsible for establishing the rules and regulations, course development, course delivery, and testing for over 75 courses and certificates. These courses are critical to training firefighters to provide state-of-the-art protection to everyone in need in the state. The program includes pre-servicing training through 60 accredited community colleges, accredited fire academies, and private vendors. Over 10,000 paid and volunteer firefighters participate in these programs every year. And these training programs are expanding to meet the reality of California, where wildfires, floods, and other disasters occur year-round.

This bill limits the SFM’s ability to establish and collect admission fees and other fees associated with the CFSTEP and the California Fire and Arson Training Act only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs associated with those programs and activities, as specified.

Supporters of the bill argue that this change will authorize the SFM to slow the growth of, limit, or reduce fees paid by aspiring Fire Service members when trying to break into the field. Additionally, supporters believe that this will allow for the SFM to utilize alternative sources of income to address the concerns of rising fees for continuing education in the Fire Service.

Back to the Future. This bill is substantially similar to SB 577 (Hurtado, 2023) which was unanimously approved by this committee. That bill was gutted and amended into an unrelated issue in the Assembly.

Prior/Related Legislation

SB 662 (Alvarado-Gil, 2025) extends, from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2031, the repeal date on the statutory requirement that Cal FIRE establish a statewide program to allow qualifying entities to support and augment Cal FIRE in its defensible space and home hardening assessment and education efforts, as specified. (Pending in the Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee)

AB 1457 (Bryan, 2025) requires Cal FIRE to include training consistent with the “Home Ignition Zone/Defensible Space Inspector” course plan, established by the SFM, to ensure that individuals are trained to conduct home ignition zone inspections, as specified. (Pending in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee)

SB 577 (Hurtado, 2023) would have limited the SFM’s ability to establish and collect admission fees and other fees associated with FSTEP and the Act only to the extent that state appropriations and other funding sources are insufficient to cover the necessary costs associated with those programs and activities, as specified. (Gutted and Amended into an Unrelated Issue)

AB 662 (Rodriguez, Chapter 575, Statutes of 2022) among other things, required the SFM to establish additional training standards that include the criteria for curriculum content recommended by the Statewide Training and Education Advisory Committee involving peer-to-peer suicide prevention programming, as specified, and required the SFM to coordinate with Cal-JAC to develop and deliver curriculum, as specified.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

SUPPORT:

California Fire Chiefs Association (Co-source)

Fire Districts Association of California (Co-source)

Lake County Fire Protection District

Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District

Sacramento County Airport Fire

Scotts Valley Fire Protection District

Southern Marin Fire Protection District

OPPOSITION:

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The California Fire Chiefs Association (CalChiefs) and the Fire Districts Association of California (FDAC) jointly write in support that SB 345 “improves access to firefighter training by allowing the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding sources for the California Fire Service Training and Education Program. A fully staffed and well-trained fire service is essential to protecting communities from California’s growing wildfire threats and other emergencies. However, the significant increase in training fees –rising by 200% to 400% in some cases – has made certification unaffordable for many volunteer firefighters and those seeking entry-level positions in the fire service. This financial burden threatens recruitment efforts and could limit the availability of qualified personnel when they are needed most.”

Further, “SB 345 directly addresses this issue by expanding funding options, ensuring that firefighters, fire departments, and students have access to affordable, high-quality training. With California facing increasingly complex fire conditions, now is the time to invest in the next generation of firefighters by making training both accessible and sustainable.”