CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

99

Introduced by Senator Seyarto

January 15, 2026

An act to add Section 5011.4 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 requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to issue a park pass for free use of all park facilities in the state park system to a veteran of war in which the United States has been, or may be, engaged, who is a resident of this state, who presents to the department proof of a disability, proof of being held captive as a prisoner of war, or proof of being a recipient of a Congressional Medal of Honor, and proof of an honorable discharge from service.

This bill would require an eligible Gold Star Family member, as defined, upon presentation of proof to the department, to be issued a pass for use of all facilities, including boat launching facilities, in units of the state park system.

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

SECTION 1.

Section 5011.4 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:

5011.4.

(a) For purposes of this section, “eligible Gold Star Family member” means a person who meets both of the following requirements:

(1) The person is a resident of the state.

(2) The person is eligible to receive a gold star lapel button pursuant to Section 1126 of Title 10 of the United States Code.

(b) An eligible Gold Star Family member, upon presentation of proof to the department, shall be issued a pass entitling the bearer to the use of all facilities, including boat launching facilities, in units of the state park system.

(c) The department shall adopt regulations, as necessary, for purposes of implementing this section.