CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

99

Introduced by Assembly Member Hart

February 10, 2026

An act to add Section 5011.3 to the Public Resources Code, relating to state parks.

Vote: majority   Appropriation: no   Fiscal committee: yes   Local program: no

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

Existing law authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to collect fees, rents, and other returns for the use of any state park system area, as provided. Existing law authorizes the department to establish the California State Park Adventure Pass to be available, upon application to the department, to any child in grade 4, or grade 4 equivalent, who is a California resident and enrolled in a California public school. Existing law authorizes the department to waive the day use entrance fees to an eligible unit of the state park system for any child who holds a valid pass, as provided.

The bill would declare, among other things, that it is the policy of the state to ensure equitable and inclusive access to the state park system by empowering the department to administer programs that broaden public access to the state parks. The bill would authorize the department to work with the California State Library and individual library systems to provide park passes.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Section 5011.3 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:

5011.3.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(1) It is the policy of the state to ensure equitable and inclusive access to the state park system by empowering the department to administer programs that broaden public access to the state parks.

(2) The state park system provides a host of important values to the residents of California, including recreational, cultural, environmental, and public health benefits.

(3) The current fee structures to enter a unit of the state park system create financial barriers that limit access for many residents.

(4) It is imperative that the department support comprehensive access to the state parks for all residents of California.

(b) The department may work with the California State Library and individual library systems in order to provide park passes.