CPF

Senator Mark Ridley-Thomas (D - Los Angeles) introduced CPF-sponsored legislation, SB 997, that would implement certain key reforms in the emergency medical services field, specifically relating to emergency medical technicians (EMT's).

Assemblywoman Sally Lieber (D - Mountain View) has introduced CPF-supported legislation, AB 419, which would repeal Labor Code Section 4850 and give disability safeguards to firefighters who are currently exempted from these programs. 

SB 1338 is now on it's way to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for consideration.Senator Carole Midgen (D - San Francisco) has introduced CPF co-sponsored legislation to maintain the right of some injured workers, including firefighters, to predesignate their treating physicians and see their own doctors if they get injured on the job. This legislation, SB 1338, would eliminate the current 2009 date on which the right to predesignated is scheduled to sunset. 

Assemblywoman Karen Bass (D - Los Angeles) has introduced CPF-sponsored legislation that would add Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to the list of existing disputable presumptions that are afforded to public safety personnel for workers' compensation purposes.  Specifically, AB 2754, clarifies that when a firefighter or other specified public safety officer contracts MRSA it is presumed to have been contracted in the course of his or her employment or service. 

Senator Ellen Corbett (D - San Leandro) has introduced CPF-sponsored legislation that would provide equal footing for all public safety personnel in unfair labor disputes.  Specifically, SB 1296, would clarify that parties who are subject to the Public Employment Relations Board's (PERB)  jurisdiction over the resolution of unfair labor practice charges and representation disputes, may also timely proceed to court in order to exercise their statutory rights that exist under alternate dispute resolution procedures. 

The Governor recently signed into law CPF-supported legislation, AB 1812, authored by Assemblyman Juan Arambula (D - Fresno).  This important measure, which will extend the existing sunset on the California Fire Foundation's income tax check-off from 2011 to 2016, received unanimous approval from the Legislature and was given the green light by Governor Schwarzenegger when he signed it on July 21st.   

Assemblyman Jared Huffman (D - San Rafael) has introduced CPF-sponsored legislation that will provide educational security for the children of fallen federal firefighters. AB 2496 makes it clear that the children of a fallen federal firefighter who lived and worked in California is eligible for the current fee and tuition waiver at the CSU, UC and community college levels.

Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi (D - Hayward) has introduced CPF-sponsored legislation to assist fire agencies in obtaining needed thermal imaging equipment. AB 1753 seeks to help implement a program that was approved in 2001 with the passage of AB 70 (Wright - Chapter No. 837, Statutes of 2001), but never put in to practice due to a lack of funding.

In response to the devastating wildfires that ravaged through Southern California last fall, CPF has put forth a package of bills this year based on recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Fire Commission Task Force. The 14-member Task Force brought together fire professionals -- labor and management to identify a range of priorities centered around dealing with the state's critical wildland fire and emergency response needs.