Tag Archive for: bill

SB 345 – Support Fire Service Training and Education

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California Enacts SB 345 to Support Fire Service Training and Education

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — October 11, 2025 — Governor Gavin Newsom has officially signed Senate Bill 345, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at bolstering the California Fire Service Training and Education Program and the California Fire and Arson Training Act. Authored by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-16), the bill was chaptered into law on October 3, 2025, as Chapter 312, Statutes of 2025. [fastdemocracy.com]

Addressing Rising Costs in Fire Training

SB 345 authorizes the State Fire Marshal (SFM) to collect admission and program fees for fire service training and arson investigation education—but only when state appropriations and other funding sources fall short. This change is designed to ensure the sustainability of critical training programs without placing undue financial burden on participants. [trackbill.com]

According to Senator Hurtado’s office, the bill responds to a growing concern: the dramatic increase in training costs, which have risen by over 200% to 400% in some cases. These costs have made it difficult for volunteer firefighters and entry-level candidates to access necessary certifications, potentially limiting diversity and accessibility in the fire service. Read more

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Press Conference for Senate Bill 345 – State Fire Training Accessibility Act

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Senate Bill 345 – State Fire Training Accessibility Act

Press Conference – Attendance requested to support!

Hi Everyone, hope you’re doing well today!

I am working with our district office team and local electeds to confirm everything for our press conference. At this point, the logistics we have confirmed are:

·         WHAT: Press Conference announcing the legislative rollout of Senate Bill 345, the State Fire Training Accessibility Act

·         DATE: Friday, April 4, 2025, 11am to 12pm

·         LOCATION: Station 3 in Hanford, located at 1070 S 12th Ave, Hanford, CA 93230

·         WHO: Senator Melissa Hurtado (confirmed), Kings County Supervisor Robert Thayer (trying to lock in for delivering remarks), Hanford Councilmember Mark Kairis (trying to lock in for delivering remarks), Lemoore Volunteer Firefighters (trying to lock in someone to deliver remarks, underscoring the need for the bill across the firefighting sector), Fire Chiefs from across California attending and wanting to delivering remarks

I will formalize the run of show as I sort out the media advisory for this to send to the local media outlets, but it would go something like:

·         10:30-10:45 am: Event participants arrive, set up for their respective roles, pre-event conversations, handshakes, and pictures

·         11:00-11:05 am: Event kicks offs with first speaker, Supervisor Robinson, welcoming everyone to Kings County

·         11:05-11:10 am: Next speaker, Councilmember Mark Kairis, welcomes everyone to the City of Hanford

·         11:10-11:15 am: Volunteer firefighter speaks regarding the need for the bill, and how affordable fire training is good for public safety

·         11:15-11:30 am: Various Fire Chiefs from across the Central Valley, or whoever is in attendance, deliver remarks supporting the bill

·         11:35-ish am: Senator Hurtado delivers closing remarks highlighting her past work supporting the firefighting community, public safety, discussing the need for the bill, and generally expressing legislative optimism

·         11:45-ish am: Procession of speakers ends, we ask if there are any questions from audience attendees (there will likely not be any), then event concludes

I will put this down in a more finalized attachment to send out again here soon.

That’s all I have for now. I am checking in with the City of Hanford’s Chief Information Officer to give them a heads up on what we are planning here, and for them to share with the public in Hanford.

Thanks Everyone, and please let me know if you have any questions or if there’s anything else I can be helpful on here.

Very respectfully,

Chris

Chris Brieño

Capitol Office of State Senator Melissa Hurtado

16th Senate District

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