Wildfire protection: Department of Forestry and Fire Protection: staffing.

Added new Article 5.5 (Sections 4159-4162) to the Public Resources Code, named the 'Stop Laying Off Firefighters Act,' converting the bill from a non-binding intent statement into enforceable statutory law.

The original intent statement was retained as a separate section but is now accompanied by binding statutory requirements, making the bill far more consequential than a mere declaration of legislative intent.

Defined 'full staffing levels' as the combined highest number of full-time, part-time, and seasonal firefighting personnel employed by CAL FIRE in any single month between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2024.

Set a phased implementation schedule: 50 percent of the required staffing increase by January 1, 2026; 75 percent by January 1, 2027; full staffing levels maintained year-round at all fire stations and facilities by January 1, 2028.

Required CAL FIRE to employ sufficient permanent firefighting personnel (not just seasonal) to meet the year-round staffing requirement.

Required annual reports to the Legislature covering progress toward staffing goals, impact on emergency response capabilities, cost analysis and budgetary requirements, and recruitment and retention metrics.

Mandated that the Legislature appropriate sufficient moneys in the annual Budget Act or another statute to implement the article's provisions.