Assembly approves AB 10 54 to allow deferred retirement option for CHP and CAL FIRE, despite sharp floor objections

The Assembly on Jan. 20, 2026 approved AB 10 54, a measure to permit certified CHP officers and CAL FIRE firefighters eligible for retirement to continue working for up to five additional years while accumulating retirement benefits in an interest-bearing account (a deferred retirement option plan, or DROP).

Assemblymember Gibson, the bill’s author, said the measure would help retain experienced public-safety personnel at a time when both law enforcement and firefighting agencies are short-staffed and that the bill is cost neutral according to bill analysis. He framed the proposal as a pragmatic way to address recruitment and retention problems without creating a permanent fiscal burden.

Assemblymember DeMaio mounted a forceful floor critique, characterizing the program as an abuse of taxpayers and using sharply critical language: "This is a scam. It is a fleecing. It is an outrageous abuse." DeMaio cited large pension payouts and urged colleagues to vote against the bill on fiscal grounds, referencing public data sources he said show high payouts under similar programs.

Other members, including Assemblymember Alanis and Jeff Gonzalez, spoke in support, citing recruitment challenges and the value of retaining experienced personnel during emergencies. After floor debate the Clerk recorded the final tally as Ayes 61, Noes 1 and the measure passed.

What was said (representative quotes):

- Assemblymember Gibson (author): "This is not a burden to the taxpayers of the state of California. It says that in the bill analysis."
- Assemblymember DeMaio (floor): "This is a scam. It is a fleecing. It is an outrageous abuse."
- Assemblymember Alanis (supporter): Argued the bill aids recruitment and retains institutional knowledge, citing uses during declared emergencies.

What it means: AB 10 54 creates a statutory mechanism for eligible CHP and CAL FIRE personnel to remain on payroll while accruing retirement benefits in a deferred account for up to five years, intended to bolster staffing during periods of need. The bill passed despite clear floor dissent focused on long‑term fiscal implications; the sponsor referenced the bill analysis to contend cost neutrality.

Next steps: With Assembly passage, AB 10 54 proceeds for any subsequent legislative steps and to the Governor if required; fiscal implications and administrative rulemaking or implementation will be matters for legislative fiscal offices and the affected departments to monitor.