CA AB1562

Authorizes the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to contract with counties that currently operate inmate fire camps to establish county inmate fire crews using county jail inmates for fire prevention and suppression purposes.

Requires county jail inmates in fire crews to remain under the constructive custody and control of their respective county correctional facilities or an agreed-upon multicounty facility.

Permits coordination of county inmate fire crew work with existing conservation camp efforts, with counties retaining sole responsibility for providing health and medical care to participating inmates.

Responds to the 2011 criminal justice realignment by enabling counties to utilize inmate fire crew programs as rehabilitation opportunities for inmates who would have previously served in state prisons.

Declares all provisions of the act severable to preserve remaining provisions if any portion is found invalid.