CA AB1309

Requires the state to pay CAL FIRE rank-and-file firefighters (State Bargaining Unit 8) within 15% of the average salary for corresponding ranks across 20 specified California fire departments

Mandates annual joint salary surveys by the state and the exclusive bargaining representative to calculate estimated average salaries of the 20 comparison fire departments as of July 1 each year

Requires the Department of Human Resources to conduct and report by January 1, 2027, a survey on salaries and benefits of fire chiefs from five major California fire departments (Fresno, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, San Diego, and San Francisco)

Establishes that any salary increases resulting from these provisions must be implemented through a memorandum of understanding negotiated under the Ralph C. Dills Act collective bargaining process

Includes legislative findings citing historic fires causing over 100 deaths and billions in damage, climate change impacts, and mental/physical health risks to CAL FIRE firefighters working extended shifts under extreme conditions