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What Is FBOR?

California became the first state to enact legislation specifically protecting the rights of California firefighters. The legislation is called the Firefighters Procedural Bill of Rights Act (FBOR).It was enacted in 2007 as Assembly Bill 220, and codified in the California Government Code at sections 3250-3262.

The FBOR is the rulebook by which administrative investigations of firefighters must be conducted in California. It is an ever-changing document that governs the administrative rights of a special class of public employees. FBOR applies to permanent and limited “at-will” employees. Some agencies will extend FBOR rights under the applicable Memorandum of Understanding. FBOR rights are implicated when you are under investigation, subject to questioning, and that questioning could lead to “punitive action” against you. “Punitive action” is any action that may lead to termination, demotion, suspension, salary reduction, written reprimand, or if you are transferred out of an assignment or position for the “purposes of punishment.” Another definition of “punitive action” is any action likely to adversely affect the employee’s opportunities for advancement. The FBOR does not apply to routine or unplanned contact with a supervisor, informal counseling, verbal admonishments, routine transfers not involving the loss of pay, adverse employment evaluations, probationary firefighters, or non-sworn employees.

If you believe an interrogation or discussion with a supervisor could lead to discipline, the FBOR is triggered and you have a right to representation for that interrogation/discussion. If you are not sure whether a discussion with a supervisor could lead to discipline, ask “do I need a rep?” or “could this result in discipline?” If your supervisor says yes, tell him or her that you would like to have a representative present for the discussion. If your supervisor does not think the discussion could lead to discipline but you believe your responses to questions might subject you to administrative discipline or criminal charges, you should assert your right to a representative.

Generally, if you are being questioned as a witness to conduct or actions committed by a colleague, you are not entitled to representation unless the conduct you observed was so gross that you were derelict in your failure to report it.

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