Legislative Agenda | Cal Parks

Legislative Agenda

As part of our role in advancing state parks issues for the last decade, California State Parks Foundation has provided leadership in lobbying the California legislature on relevant bills and budget actions as well as proactively sponsoring legislation. We have sponsored legislation to achieve park protection as well as facilitate fiscal sustainability for the state park system.

In addition to sponsoring legislation, we also maintain regular communication with key policy committee members and provides testimony to legislative hearings and coordinates with other like-minded organizations on policy priorities.

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Seacliff Beach
SB 272 — Sea level rise: planning and adaptation by Senator Laird

Would require local governments within the coastal zone to develop and implement sea level rise planning and adaptation plans in the next ten years.  California State Parks Foundation supported a very similar version of this bill in 2022 that was vetoed by Governor Newsom.  

Governor's Desk
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Outdoor Outreach
AB 1150 — Department of Parks and Recreation: community access agreements: interpretive services and visitor services by the Committee on Water, Parks and Wildlife

Would establish a community access pilot program for nonprofits that provide programs and services for communities with barriers to accessing state parks and beaches. 

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Camping
AB 618 — State parks: reservations: discounts by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan

Would make the California State Park camping reservation system more equitable by requiring a credit be offered for reservations canceled within seven calendar days of reservation start date, and implement a lottery system for campsites at up to five of the most popular parks.  

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Kids in parks
AB 401 — State parks: park entrance fees: waivers: 4th grade children by Assemblymembers Mathis and Garcia

Would expand California State Park Adventure Pass by granting free day-use access to every state park for 4th graders and their families. Currently the program allows 4th graders and their families to access 19 state parks.  

Held in Appropriations. Dead for 2023.
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China Camp
SB 668 — State parks: operating agreements by Senator Dodd

This bill would indefinitely authorize the California Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into operating agreements with a qualified nonprofit organization. 

Signed by Governor
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Garrapata State Park
AB 411 — Transportation: trails by Assemblymember Bennett

Would improve trails by establishing funding for recreational trail improvements grants. 

Held in Appropriations. Dead for 2023.
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Palomar Mountain State Park
AB 1567 and SB 867 — Natural resources bond proposals by Assemblymember Garcia and by Senator Allen

Would pass a statewide general obligation bond to support natural resources and parks projects. 

Watching
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State Indian Museum
AB 1284 — Tribal ancestral lands and waters by Assemblymember Ramos

Would authorize the California Natural Resources Agency to enter into co-governance and management agreements with federally recognized Indian tribes.  

Now a two-year bill; Legislature will take it up again in January 2024
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White Sage
AB 1041 — Wildlife: white sage: taking and possession by Assemblymember Ramos

Would prohibit uprooting, removing, or harvesting white sage from state or local public lands. 

Now a two-year bill; Legislature will take it up again in January 2024
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