LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
The CPF Agenda: Building on Your Priorities
CPF’s founding mission is to advocate at the state level to improve the lives and livelihoods of California firefighters. In 2021, CPF’s legislative efforts expand on the victories of the past, targeting new protections in disciplinary proceedings, workers’ compensation, retirement and more.
Legislative Agenda
AB 450 — Paramedic Discipline. Authored by Assm. Lorena Gonzalez (D-San Diego), AB 450 sets up an independent board to adjudicate and make final determination regarding paramedic disciplinary matters. Currently, the state EMSA Director has virtually unlimited power to deny, suspend or revoke a paramedic license, or put a license holder on probation for acts related to their role as paramedics.
ACA 1 — Local Government Funding. This CPF-co-sponsored measure would, if passed by the Legislature, give voters the option to change the current vote threshold for some infrastructure projects, including fire suppression, emergency response and communications equipment, from the current 2/3 majority to 55%. Authored by Assm. Cecilia Aguilar-Curry (D-Winters), ACA 1 would make it easier for local agencies to win support for public safety projects.
SB 278 — Retirement Fairness. A number of retired firefighters and other public workers have been hit by huge bills and retroactive take-backs from CalPERS, citing overpayments that were no fault of the employee. Sponsored by CPF and authored by Sen. Connie Leyva (D-Chino),SB 278 closes this cruel and unfair loophole, requires the employer to make the retiree whole, while also implementing procedures at CalPERS to prevent future errors.
SB 284 — Post-Traumatic Stress. SB 284 builds on CPF’’s groundbreaking workers’ compensation presumption for firefighter post-traumatic stress — SB 542. Co-sponsored by CPF and authored by Sen. Henry Stern (D- Malibu) extends the PTSI presumption to public safety dispatchers and public-agency emergency communications employees, as well as certain peace officers not covered by the original bill.
SB 335 — Cracking Down on Work Comp Delays and Denials: Sponsored by CPF, SB 335 takes aim at unreasonable delays in workers’ compensation cases. Employers, third party administrators and insurers often routinely deny presumptive injury claims, practically daring injured workers to fight back. Authored by Sen. Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), SB 335 boosts penalties for these abusive and often costly denial of claims. It also reduces the incentive to slow-walk presumptive claims by shortening the time-period in which employers must decide to reject or accept a presumptive injury claim from 90 days to 30 days.
SB 450 — Fire Response Fund: Authored by Sen. Bob Hertzberg, (D-Los Angeles), SB 450 implements critical provisions in Proposition 19, last year’s successful ballot measure. The property-tax measure included a California Fire Response Fund to help support underfunded fire districts throughout the state. SB 450 implements the system for fairly distributing those funds.
Working For You
Beyond its work at the Capitol, CPF is also working within the state budget process to further enhance efforts to protect our members and expand resources for emergency response, fire prevention and training.
Fire Protection and Prevention: With CPF’s strong involvement and support, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2021-2022 state budget includes funding for additional paid fire crews, more CAL FIRE staff and equipment upgrades. It also includes a $1 billion investment in fire prevention and forest health.
Training and Apprenticeship: Thanks to CPF’s work in the halls of power, the governor’s budget also fully funds apprenticeship training programs, including the California Fire Fighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee. The Cal-JAC funding ensures departments will receive important reimbursement for their training activities.