CA AB2129

Requires the state to bargain in good faith with CAL-FIRE firefighters (State Bargaining Unit 8) to reach salaries 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 firefighters' union to calculate projected average salaries from the 20 comparison departments as of July 1 each year

Requires the Department of Human Resources to conduct and report by March 31, 2027, a survey of salaries and benefits for fire chiefs at five major California fire departments (Fresno, Los Angeles County, San Bernardino County, San Diego, and San Francisco)

Establishes state policy to consider salaries of corresponding ranks in the listed comparison jurisdictions when determining CAL-FIRE uniformed employee compensation

Requires any resulting salary increases to be implemented through a memorandum of understanding under the Ralph C. Dills Act, with provisions requiring legislative approval if expenditure of funds is needed