Assembly Member Bains's proposal to expand year-round staffing at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection marks the initial step toward addressing the department's personnel capacity for fire protection and prevention services.

The measure, which takes the form of an intent bill, signals the Legislature's plan to develop more detailed legislation focused on increasing permanent staffing levels within the department. Currently housed within the Natural Resources Agency, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection maintains responsibility for fire protection and prevention activities throughout the state. While the bill does not implement immediate changes or authorize new funding, it establishes the framework for future legislative action on departmental staffing requirements.

The proposal requires a simple majority vote for passage and does not trigger fiscal committee review or create new obligations for local governments. Any specific staffing mandates, funding mechanisms, or implementation timelines would need to be established through subsequent legislation.