California State Parks Legislative Update 2026: Key Bills, Budget, and Advocacy Priorities

The second year of the two-year Legislative session is underway, and it is the final year of Gavin Newsom’s term as Governor of California. As a result, the mood in Sacramento is both urgent, as leaders work to secure key parts of their agendas, and forward-looking as planning begins for a new Governor and many new faces in the Legislature. At California State Parks Foundation, we are tracking a number of key proposals and funding opportunities for California State Parks. 

As the session continues, stay connected with us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Bluesky to learn how to take action! You can also follow the status of legislative proposals on our Legislative Agenda page here. 

California State Library Parks Pass: Efforts to Secure Permanent Funding in 2026 

California State Parks Foundation has fought hard for permanent funding for the California State Library Parks Pass since it was first created in 2021. Last year, we sponsored AB 616 (Caloza), which would have given California State Parks the authority to donate passes directly to the California State Library or another state agency. Unfortunately, the legislation was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee and did not make it to the Governor’s desk. While the Appropriations Committee does not discuss its deliberations, we understand that there were concerns about the fiscal impact on the Department of Parks and Recreation if they were to donate passes without additional revenue.  

This year, we are sponsoring AB 1804 (Hart), which takes a slightly different tack: the legislation authorizes California State Parks to work with the California State Library on the pass program, without referencing funding.  

In addition, we are very grateful to Governor Newsom, who has proposed a continuous appropriation for the California State Library Parks Pass. Together, AB 1804 and the Governor’s budget proposal go a long way towards making this very popular and effective program permanent. You can help by signing our petition here!

Climate Resilience Funding for California State Parks: Cap-and-Invest and GGRF Updates 

Advocates who follow our work know that last year we advocated for including California State Parks in funding generated by the newly-reauthorized Cap-and-Invest program; this funding flows to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF).  One of the issues the Legislature is dealing with this year is whether there is any discretionary funding not already promised to high-speed rail, the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), and other priorities. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, there is potential disagreement between the Legislature and the Governor’s Office on the spending intent approved last year. The key question is how much discretionary funding – meaning funding that is not already promised to other projects – is available for the Legislature to appropriate to its many priorities, including the California Natural Resources Agency and California State Parks.  

California State Parks Foundation’s position is that state parks in California provide many climate benefits, including sequestering carbon so that it does not contribute to accelerating climate change, if these lands are properly stewarded. Proper stewardship requires investment in staffing and resilience projects, and currently California State Parks lacks sufficient funds to invest in these worthy activities. The GGRF represents an appropriate and necessary funding source for park stewardship, along with many other actions that will help California fight accelerating climate change. We will continue to articulate this position as the GGRF appropriation conversation continues through the budget process.  

We are also co-sponsoring AB 2277 (Schultz), along with Save the Redwoods League and Sempervirens Fund. This legislation ensures that climate stewardship is explicitly part of California State Parks’ management of state parks.  

Proposition 4 Implementation: Funding for State Parks, Sea Level Rise, and Community Projects 

Proposition 4, a natural resources bond passed by voters in November 2024, will provide $175 million in deferred maintenance projects in state parks, $50 million in sea level rise adaptation projects on state beaches, and $200 million to the Statewide Park and Community Revitalization Program, supporting underserved communities in building parks and recreational facilities. California State Parks Foundation was proud to support this important measure, and since its passage we have been communicating with the California Natural Resources Agency and the Legislature about the importance of getting the funds deployed quickly.  

That’s why we are supporting AB 35 (Alvarez), legislation that clears bureaucratic hurdles that are slowing down the flow of funding authorized by Prop. 4. We are grateful to Senate President Pro Tem Monique Limón (D-Santa Barbara) and her colleagues for their quick action in ensuring that some high-priority projects could go forward, by exempting them from a little-known clause that requires regulatory hurdles that were waived in past bond issues. AB 35 will now go through the regular legislative process to allow the Legislature to debate which, if any, projects authorized by Prop. 4 should be subject to additional bureaucratic scrutiny. Use your voice and sign the action alert today!

Other 2026 Legislative Proposals Impacting California State Parks and Public Lands 

California State Parks Foundation is also supporting AB 2158 (Hoover), a measure that supports funding for outdoor education in California, and AB 1624 (Zbur), which institutes safeguards for Federal lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, as well as other land management agencies, should they be put up for sale by the Federal Government.  

Take Action to Support California State Parks Legislation 

California’s state parks depend on consistent funding, thoughtful policy, and public support. The decisions being made this year will shape how these places are protected, funded, and experienced for years to come. 

Your voice plays an important role in that future. You can make an impact by: 

• Visiting our Take Action page 
• Following us on social media at Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Bluesky 
• Sign up for our Advocacy emails with the form below

These small actions help ensure that California state parks remain accessible, resilient, and protected for generations to come.