Senate leadership said it would cost about $175 million a year to boost staffing levels to respond to increased fire risk.

Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire proposed that state firefighters work full time in place of the seasonal workforce the agency currently staffs for nine months each year.

State legislators are calling to extend Cal Fire's staffing to a year-round system, switching some roles from nine-month positions.

California lawmakers this year are trying once again to make Cal Fire's firefighting and prevention force a year-round program.

State legislators say the bipartisan bill would support overworked firefighters by addressing staffing issues.