Existing law requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to administer, protect, develop, and interpret the property under its jurisdiction in the state park system for the use and enjoyment of the public. Existing law provides for the department to charge various fees for use of state parks, but requires the department to offer free or reduced-rate admission to eligible persons under certain circumstances.

This bill would require the department to grant 50 percent-discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on September 9, California Admission Day.

Existing law requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to administer, protect, develop, and interpret the property under its jurisdiction in the state park system for the use and enjoyment of the public. Existing law provides for the department to charge various fees for use of state parks, but requires the department to offer free or reduced-rate admission to eligible persons under certain circumstances.

This bill would require the department to grant free 50 percent-discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on September 9, California Admission Day.

Existing law authorizes a procedure for the creation of a regional park district, regional park and open-space district, and regional open-space district where certain requirements, including, but not limited to, the holding of an election, must be met. Before an election is held, existing law requires specified counties to hold hearings to determine certain matters related to the proposed district and to publish notice, as specified, of those hearings.

This bill would also require notice of those hearings to be posted online and to be publicly accessible on the countys Internet Web site, if the county has an Internet Web site, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

GOVERNOR'S VETO

GV Bill Id:AB 1358

Author:(Cooley)

As Enrolled Ver:September 13, 2017

2/3 vote

SUBJECT: State parks: California Admission Day: free admission

SUMMARY: Provides 50% discounted admission to California State Parks on California Admission Day. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires the California State Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to grant 50% discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on September 9, California Admission Day.
2. Specifies that the reduced admission discount applies to vehicle admission, parking, and day use, and is subject to those limitations the department deems necessary to manage the state park system to avoid overcrowding and damage to natural and cultural resources and for public health and safety.
3. Specifies that the discounted admission does not include camping fees, tour fees, swimming pool fees, fees for the use of boating facilities, museum and special event fees, or any supplemental or special event parking fees.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes the California State Park system and vests the DPR with control of the state park system and responsibility for administering, protecting, developing, and interpreting state parks for the use and enjoyment of the public. Requires the DPR to protect the state park system from damage and to preserve the peace therein.
2. Includes legislative findings that present funding for state parks has been significantly below the level necessary to fulfill the mission of the California State Park system. Requires that the DPR develop a prioritized action plan to increase revenues and collection of user fees at state parks.
3. Authorizes the DPR to provide discounted passes to certain groups of people including seniors over the age of 62, veterans, and low-income residents, as defined.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

1. Unknown ongoing annual revenue losses in the up to $75,000 range depending on what day of the week Admission Day falls on (special fund).
2. Unknown annual ongoing increased labor costs of at least $100,000 to accommodate higher visitation (special fund).

COMMENTS:

Comments: Free and discounted admission days are not new to residents and visitors of California. In recent years, "free park" days have been hosted at national parks, state parks, and local parks and museums. These events serve as an entry for all residents and visitors to access park systems and to enjoy many of the 280 park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, and 4,500 miles of trails the state park system provides. As stated above, veterans and other defined military personnel are allowed free admission to state parks on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Other programs include:

1. State Park Free Admission Days. In recent years, California residents have seen a number of "free admission" days at state parks. The opportunity to provide access to outdoor spaces and build long-term appreciation and support for California's state parks has been carried out through free admission to veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day and a Green Friday Program. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) covers the costs for the free admission to veterans. Green Friday began in 2015 when the well-known retailer REI closed all of its stores on the day after Thanksgiving, urging outdoor activities as an alternative to Black Friday shopping. Save the Redwoods League (League) decided to take the initiative a step further by encouraging people to enjoy the holiday with friends and family in California's most spectacular landscapes. Collaborating with the DPR, the League covered the day-use fee for 48 redwood parks. The public response was so strong that the program added the California State Parks Foundation as a partner and expanded the number of participating state parks from 48 in 2015 to 116 in 2016. Parks were selected based on their ability to handle large crowds and showcase the diversity of the State Parks System. By the end of the 2016 event, 11,560 parking passes had been downloaded, totaling $115,600. This equated to more than 35,000 participants. Over 60% of the participants were first time visitors to a state park. The DPR worked closely with its partners on messaging/public relations and coordinated with field districts to properly welcome the large crowds.
2. National Park Free Admission Days. The National Parks System (NPS) allows free admission to more than 400 parks on six different days and weekends. According to the NPS, national parks are always economical, with entrance fees from $3 to $30. In addition, any fourth grade student can get a free annual pass through the Every Kid in a Park Program, and there are a variety of discounted passes available to seniors, veterans and disabled persons. Free admission days "provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the 120 national parks that normally charge an entrance fee."

Related Legislation: AB 150 (Olsen), Chapter 688, Statutes of 2013, authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to offer veterans and active duty or reserve military personnel of the United States (U.S.) Armed Forces or the National Guard, free day use access, or reduced fee access, to California state parks on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE:

This bill would require the California Department of Parks and Recreation to discount by 50% admission to a state park on September 9th of each year.

While this bill is well-intentioned, the department already has the authority to offer discounted or free park admissions to the public. Furthermore, for the past few years the department has worked closely with the Parks Forward Commission to develop initiatives to expand visitations, increase access, and ensure the system's long-term sustainability. The public and our state parks are better served by allowing the department the flexibility to manage its operations without mandates that may harm its fiscal stability.

Analysis Prepared by: Catherine Freeman / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096 FN: 0002431

 THIRD READING  

Bill No: AB 1358

Author:

:

Vote:

SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 9-0, 7/11/17

AYES: Hertzberg, Stone, Allen, Atkins, Hueso, Jackson, Monning, Stern, Vidak

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: 7-0, 9/1/17

AYES: Lara, Bates, Beall, Bradford, Hill, Nielsen, Wiener

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/31/17 - See last page for vote

SUBJECT:

SOURCE: Author

DIGEST: This bill

requires the Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks Department) to grant 50% discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on California Admissions Day, which will be September 9 each year.

ANALYSIS:

Existing law:

1. Provides, pursuant to Public Resources Code §5019.92, the State Parks system is in the midst of ongoing reforms specific to day use and other fees. Specifically, Parks Department is required to develop a prioritized action plan to increase revenues and collection of user fees at state parks. The plan is required to include strategies for generating new revenues and fee collection methodologies at state parks and may include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
   1. Installation of modern fee collection technologies and equipment at state parks, such as kiosks that accept credit cards and automatic entrance gates, where appropriate
   2. Implementation of peak demand pricing at popular campgrounds and other high-demand park facilities
   3. Assessment of appropriate fees at all state park units
   4. Offering of additional mission-appropriate fee-for service amenities with revenue generating potential at select parks where consistent with park unit general plans. An example would be the installation of upgraded overnight options such as cabins.
   5. Promotion and marketing of an “adopt a park” or system wide state park sponsorship program to encourage private donations in support of state parks, with appropriate recognition for donors
   6. Design, promotion and marketing of a new state park annual access pass system with incentives to encourage increased voluntary purchases of state park access passes, including, but not limited to:
      1. Offering of different regional and seasonal options for annual passes
      2. Providing multiple opportunities for the purchase of annual passes, including at state park entrances and through partnerships with retail outlets, and on state tax returns
      3. Offering incentives such as free midweek off-peak season camping passes with the purchase of an annual pass if purchased during the first three months of the year
      4. Offering opportunities for purchasers to make a voluntary additional contribution that would be dedicated to support of a particular category of state parks, such as the state’s iconic redwood parks and historical parks that require funding over and above that generated by user fees to sustain the parks in good condition
2. Authorizes, pursuant to AB 150 (Olson, Chapter 688, Statutes of 2013), the Parks Department is to offer veterans and active duty or reserve military personnel of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard, free day use access, or reduced fee access, to California State Parks on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Additionally, existing law requires California State Parks to issue several free and reduced fee licenses to eligible individuals, including the Disabled Discount Pass, the Golden Bear Pass, and the Distinguished Veteran Pass.

This bill:

1. Requires the Parks Department to grant 50% discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on California Admissions Day, which will be September 9 each year.
2. Specifies that the 50% discounted admission applies to vehicle admission, parking, and day use fees. These discounts are subject to limitations the Parks Department deems necessary to manage the state park system to avoid overcrowding and damage to natural and cultural resources and for public health and safety.
3. Specifies that this discount does not apply to camping fees, tour fees, swimming pool fees, boating facility fees, museum fees, special event fees, or any supplemental or special event parking fees.

Background

1. The Parks Department has undergone a series of substantial reforms as a result of recent legislation, on a bipartisan basis (AB 1589, Huffman, Chapter 533, Statutes of 2012; AB 1478, Blumenfield, Chapter 530, Statutes of 2012; and SB 204, Pavley, Chapter 573, Statutes of 2015). Together these reforms aim to stabilize the revenue streams to the Parks Department, develop tools to increase the revenue that the Parks Department generates itself, reform budgeting approaches, enhance partnerships with non-profit organizations, and prevent park closures.
2. In March 2012, the Legislative Analysts Office (LAO) made a series of recommendations for state park financial stability, which published a report, “Strategies to Maintain California’s Park System.” The LAO estimated that if just 1/8 of the people that currently visit day-use parks for free were charged an entrance fee, this would increase annual revenues by the low tens of millions of dollars. Further, the LAO estimated that raising the amount of fees that current visitors pay by $1 could also increase annual revenues by the low tens of millions of dollars. Therefore, the LAO recommended increasing park user fees and shifting toward entrance fees rather than parking fees.
3. Later in 2012, AB 1589 (Huffman) was passed by the Legislature, which created a new program to allow taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to the state park system, through the income tax system, and required the Parks Department to provide a free annual pass to a taxpayer who makes a contribution in excess of the price of an annual parks day use pass.
4. Further, AB 1589 and AB 1478 (Blumenfield, 2012) directed the creation of the Parks Forward Commission, which was a citizen review panel. The Parks Forward Commission released a final report in 2015, which included the recommendation to improve relationships with nonprofit and other partners, to improve cultural and resource protection programs, and to expand access to parks.
5. To stabilize the Parks Department budget several one-time infusions $10 million were provided to the Parks Department through budget bills in 2012. This money was appropriated specifically to provide for capital projects, cover the costs of audits, and avert park closures, which have significant shutdown and restart costs, In conjunction with the described reforms, these funds were intended to put the Parks Department on a better financial trajectory, which is still being implemented today.

Comments

1. Free admission on the Friday after Thanksgiving (Green Friday) in 2015 and 2016 has successfully drawn visitors, both old and new, to state parks. In 2015, Save the Redwoods League covered the day-use fees for visitors to 48 redwood parks in California, on the day after Thanksgiving. This day is commonly a massive retail shopping day, but in 2015, well-known outdoor gear retailer REI closed its stores and engaged in a public campaign to encourage outdoor activities on that day. In 2016, Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks Foundation partnered to cover the day-use fees for 115 California State Parks, which were selected based on their ability to handle large crowds. According to the Parks Department, in 2016 these parks drew 35,000 participants, over 60 percent of which were first time visitors to a state park.

1. There will almost certainly be uneven distribution of usage by park-goers on the discounted California Admissions Day. Adequate staffing and planning for the logistics of increased visitation for a single day may be difficult for many state parks. While some popular parks may be able to predict likely crowds, other parks may be less prepared for a surge in day use on a single day. Furthermore, the reality that September 9^th will fall on a weekend day 2/7 years and a weekday 5/7 years may make visitation even harder to predict. The successes of the Green Friday events may not be applicable to the proposed California Admissions Day.
2. Given the multiple recent reform bills aimed at stabilizing the revenues that fund state parks, and to promote zero-based budgeting, a broad-based, discounted day-use fee day may run counter to the implementation of those reforms. The 2012 LAO report recommended that if just 1/8 of the people that currently visit day-use parks for free were charged an entrance fee, this would increase annual revenues by the low tens of millions of dollars, and that raising the amount of fees that current visitors pay by $1 could also increase annual revenues by the low tens of millions of dollars. This highlights the importance of day-use fees to the financial stability of the park system.
3. State Park fees are waived or discounted under a variety of existing scenarios, ranging from free admission days to reduced or free admission for certain citizens. For example, existing law pursuant to Public Resources Code § 5010.2 prohibits, with some site by site exceptions, the department from collecting fees from a group of Kindergarten – 12 grade students on a class field trip, when they are under the direction of school personnel and the school has made prior arrangements with the Parks Department. This applies to day use fees for both public and private schools, and the Director of the Parks Department has discretion to apply the fee waiver to overnight school trips as well. Existing law also authorizes the Parks Department to provide discounted passes to certain groups of people including seniors, which is defined as those over the age of 62, low-income residents, and veterans.

FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: Fiscal Com.: Local:

According to the Senate Appropriations Committee, this bill is estimated to cost between $125,000 and $175,000 (Parks and Recreation Fund) in lost revenue to Parks resulting from the discounted admission day. In addition, Senate Appropriations staff notes that this bill may be in conflict with ongoing Parks reforms to stabilize revenues.

SUPPORT: (Verified 9/1/17)

California Parks and Recreation Society

OPPOSITION: (Verified 9/1/17)

None received

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: The author argues that reduced dayuse fees for September 9 will increase the accessibility of state parks to the public and encourage more first-time visitors to the state park system.

ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 77-0, 5/31/17

AYES: Acosta, Aguiar-Curry, Travis Allen, Arambula, Baker, Berman, Bigelow, Bloom, Bocanegra, Bonta, Brough, Burke, Caballero, Calderon, Cervantes, Chau, Chávez, Chen, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Cunningham, Dababneh, Dahle, Daly, Flora, Fong, Frazier, Friedman, Gallagher, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gipson, Gloria, Gomez, Gonzalez Fletcher, Gray, Grayson, Harper, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Kalra, Kiley, Lackey, Levine, Limón, Low, Maienschein, Mathis, Mayes, McCarty, Medina, Mullin, Muratsuchi, Nazarian, Obernolte, O'Donnell, Patterson, Quirk, Quirk-Silva, Reyes, Ridley-Thomas, Rodriguez, Rubio, Salas, Santiago, Steinorth, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Voepel, Waldron, Weber, Wood, Rendon

NO VOTE RECORDED: Choi, Eggman, Melendez

Prepared by:

9/3/17 18:06:39

**** END ****

SENATE COMMITTEE ON

Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular Session

AB 1358 (Cooley) - State parks: California Admission Day: free admission

This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.

Bill Summary:

1. AB 1358 requires the Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks) to grant 50% discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on California Admissions Day, which will be September 9 each year.

Fiscal Impact:

Between $125,000 and $175,000 (Parks and Recreation Fund) in lost revenue to Parks resulting from the discounted admission day.

Background:

California State Parks. The California State Park system consists of 280 state parks, state natural reserves, state historic monuments, state beaches, and other units representing the state’s diverse natural, cultural, recreational and historic resources. The units are managed by Parks.

Free and Reduced Licenses. Under existing law, Parks is required to issue several free and reduced fee licenses to eligible individuals. These include the following:

• The Disabled Discount Pass is available to persons with permanent disabilities, as specified. This lifetime pass requires a one-time fee of $3.50, and entitles its bearer to a 50 percent discount for vehicle day use, family camping, and boat use fees.
• The Golden Bear Pass is available to individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income, any person receiving aid under the applicable aid codes in the CalWORKS Program, or any person 62 years of age or older with income limitations. This reduced-fee ($5) pass permits free entry into most California State Parks where vehicle day use fees are collected.
• The Distinguished Veteran Pass is available to honorably discharged war-time veterans, as defined, who are residents of California and submit proof that they have a 50% or greater service-connected disability, were a prisoner of war, or received a Medal of Honor. The free park pass entitles the holder to use all the basic facilities, including day use, camping and boating, at no charge.
• Parks is also authorized to provide free or reduced-fee day use access to state parks on Memorial Day or Veterans Day to veterans and active duty or reserve military personnel for the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard.

Proposed Law:

This bill:

1. Requires Parks to grant 50% discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on California Admissions Day, which will be September 9 each year.
2. Specifies that the 50% discounted admission applies to vehicle admission, parking, and day use fees. These discounts are subject to limitations the Parks deems necessary to manage the state park system to avoid overcrowding and damage to natural and cultural resources and for public health and safety.
3. Specifies that the discount does not apply to camping fees, tour fees, swimming pool fees, boating facility fees, museum fees, special event fees, or any supplemental or special event parking fees.

Related Legislation:

AB 1972 would have expanded eligibility for the Distinguished Veteran Pass to any veteran who has a 50 percent or greater service-connected disability (currently limited to those who served during wartime).

Staff Comments:

In conflict with ongoing Parks reforms to stabilize revenue. Given the multiple recent reform bills aimed at stabilizing the revenues that fund state parks, and to promote zero-based budgeting, a broad-based, discounted day-use fee day may run counter to the implementation of those reforms. The 2012 LAO report recommended that if just 1/8 of the people that currently visit day-use parks for free were charged an entrance fee, this would increase annual revenues by the low tens of millions of dollars, and that raising the amount of fees that current visitors pay by $1 could also increase annual revenues by the low tens of millions of dollars. This highlights the importance of day-use fees to the financial stability of the park system.

Parks fiscal. To identify lost revenue, the Parks averaged revenue for the last two years for the week including Admission Day and broke it down by day of the week. Cost estimates vary depending on the day of Admission Day falls on.

-- END --

SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER

Senator Robert Hertzberg, Chair

2017 - 2018 Regular

Bill No: AB Hearing Date: July 11, 2017

Subject: State parks: California Admission Day: free admission

BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW

1. Existing law requires the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation (Parks Department) to promote and regulate the use of the state park system in a manner that conserves the scenery, natural and historic resources, and wildlife in the individual units of the system for the enjoyment of future generations. In addition, existing law states in legislative findings and declarations that the protection of the state’s historical, natural, and cultural heritage is enhanced by California’s state park system.
2. The Parks Department has undergone a series of substantial reforms as a result of recent legislation, on a bipartisan basis (AB 1589, Huffman, 2012; AB 1478, Blumenfield, 2012; SB 204, Pavley, 2015). Together these reforms aim to stabilize the revenue streams to the Parks Department, develop tools to increase the revenue that the Parks Department generates itself, reform budgeting approaches, enhance partnerships with non-profit organizations, and prevent park closures.
3. In March 2012, the Legislative Analysts Office (LAO) made a series of recommendations for state park financial stability, which published a report, “Strategies to Maintain California’s Park System.” The LAO estimated that if just 1/8 of the people that currently visit day-use parks for free were charged an entrance fee, this would increase annual revenues by the low tens of millions of dollars. Further, the LAO estimated that raising the amount of fees that current visitors pay by $1 could also increase annual revenues by the low tens of millions of dollars. Therefore, the LAO recommended increasing park user fees and shifting toward entrance fees rather than parking fees.
4. Later in 2012, AB 1589 (Huffman) was passed by the Legislature, which created a new program to allow taxpayers to voluntarily contribute to the state park system, through the income tax system, and required the Parks Department to provide a free annual pass to a taxpayer who makes a contribution in excess of the price of an annual parks day use pass.
5. Further, AB 1589 and AB 1478 (Blumenfield, 2012) directed the creation of the Parks Forward Commission, which was a citizen review panel. The Parks Forward Commission released a final report in 2015, which included the recommendation to improve relationships with nonprofit and other partners, to improve cultural and resource protection programs, and to expand access to parks.
6. Existing law authorizes the Parks Department to enter into agreements with private entities to assist the Parks Department when securing long-term funding for units of the state park system, including securing donations, memberships, corporate and individual sponsorships, and marketing and licensing agreements. In addition, existing law authorizes the Parks Department to enter into agreements with qualified nonprofit organizations for operation of a state park unit.
7. The State Parks system is in the midst of ongoing reforms specific to day use and other fees. Pursuant to Public Resources Code §5019.92, the Parks Department is required to develop a prioritized action plan to increase revenues and collection of user fees at state parks. The plan is required to include strategies for generating new revenues and fee collection methodologies at state parks and may include, but is not limited to, all of the following:
   1. Installation of modern fee collection technologies and equipment at state parks, such as kiosks that accept credit cards and automatic entrance gates, where appropriate
   2. Implementation of peak demand pricing at popular campgrounds and other high-demand park facilities
   3. Assessment of appropriate fees at all state park units
   4. Offering of additional mission-appropriate fee-for service amenities with revenue generating potential at select parks where consistent with park unit general plans. An example would be the installation of upgraded overnight options such as cabins.
   5. Promotion and marketing of an “adopt a park” or system wide state park sponsorship program to encourage private donations in support of state parks, with appropriate recognition for donors
   6. Design, promotion and marketing of a new state park annual access pass system with incentives to encourage increased voluntary purchases of state park access passes, including, but not limited to:
      1. Offering of different regional and seasonal options for annual passes
      2. Providing multiple opportunities for the purchase of annual passes, including at state park entrances and through partnerships with retail outlets, and on state tax returns
      3. Offering incentives such as free midweek off-peak season camping passes with the purchase of an annual pass if purchased during the first three months of the year
      4. Offering opportunities for purchasers to make a voluntary additional contribution that would be dedicated to support of a particular category of state parks, such as the state’s iconic redwood parks and historical parks that require funding over and above that generated by user fees to sustain the parks in good condition
8. Reforms from these laws also aim to enhance and broaden the role of volunteers. In particular, legislative findings note the value of volunteers in state parks and the intention of the Parks Department to provide complimentary passes to park volunteers in exchange for service, whether those volunteers are associated with the park or a cooperating organization.
9. Existing law, pursuant to SB 204 (Pavley, 2015) builds flexibility into the general planning process by establishing that the Parks Department is not required to prepare a general plan or revise an existing plan for a state park unit to which new development is necessary to comply with public service delivery obligations, operational or code compliance upgrades or resource preservation requirements that are compatible with the classification of the unit and may instead prepare a management or development plan with appropriate environmental review and analysis.
10. Pursuant to AB 150 (Olson), Chapter 688, Statutes of 2013, the Parks Department is authorized to offer veterans and active duty or reserve military personnel of the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard, free day use access, or reduced fee access, to California State Parks on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
11. To stabilize the Parks Department budget several one-time infusions $10 million were provided to the Parks Department through budget bills in 2012.This money was appropriated specifically to provide for capital projects, cover the costs of audits, and avert park closures, which have significant shutdown and restart costs, In conjunction with the described reforms, these funds were intended to put the Parks Department on a better financial trajectory, which is still being implemented today.

PROPOSED LAW

This bill would:

1. Require the Parks Department to grant 50% discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on California Admissions Day, which will be September 9 each year.
2. Specify that the 50% discounted admission applies to vehicle admission, parking, and day use fees. These discounts are subject to limitations the Parks Department deems necessary to manage the state park system to avoid overcrowding and damage to natural and cultural resources and for public health and safety.
3. Not apply to all fees. This discount does not apply to camping fees, tour fees, swimming pool fees, boating facility fees, museum fees, special event fees, or any supplemental or special event parking fees.

ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT

The author argues that reduced dayuse fees for September 9 will increase the accessibility of state parks to the public and encourage more first-time visitors to the state park system.

ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION

None Received

COMMENTS

1. Free admission on the Friday after Thanksgiving (Green Friday) in 2015 and 2016 has successfully drawn visitors, both old and new, to state parks. In 2015, Save the Redwoods League covered the day-use fees for visitors to 48 redwood parks in California, on the day after Thanksgiving. This day is commonly a massive retail shopping day, but in 2015, well-known outdoor gear retailer REI closed its stores and engaged in a public campaign to encourage outdoor activities on that day. In 2016, Save the Redwoods League and California State Parks Foundation partnered to cover the day-use fees for 115 California State Parks. Parks were selected based on their ability to handle large crowds and in 2016, and according to the Parks Department, these parks drew 35,000 participants, over 60 percent of which were first time visitors to a state park.

2. There will almost certainly be uneven distribution of usage by park-goers on the discounted California Admissions Day. Adequate staffing and planning for the logistics of increased visitation for a single day may be difficult for many state parks. While some popular parks may be able to predict likely crowds, other parks may be less prepared for a surge in day use on a single day. Furthermore, the reality that September 9^th will fall on a weekend day 2/7 years and a weekday 5/7 years may make visitation even harder to predict. The successes of the Green Friday events may not be applicable to the proposed California Admissions Day.

3. Given the multiple recent reform bills aimed at stabilizing the revenues that fund state parks, and to promote zero-based budgeting, a broad-based, discounted day-use fee day may run counter to the implementation of those reforms. The 2012 LAO report recommended that if just 1/8 of the people that currently visit day-use parks for free were charged an entrance fee, this would increase annual revenues by the low tens of millions of dollars, and that raising the amount of fees that current visitors pay by $1 could also increase annual revenues by the low tens of millions of dollars. This highlights the importance of day-use fees to the financial stability of the park system.

4. State Park fees are waived or discounted under a variety of existing scenarios, ranging from free admission days to reduced or free admission for certain citizens. For example, existing law pursuant to Public Resources Code § 5010.2 prohibits, with some site by site exceptions, the department from collecting fees from a group of Kindergarten – 12 grade students on a class field trip, when they are under the direction of school personnel and the school has made prior arrangements with the Parks Department. This applies to day use fees for both public and private schools, and the Director of the Parks Department has discretion to apply the fee waiver to overnight school trips as well. Existing law also authorizes the Parks Department to provide discounted passes to certain groups of people including seniors, which is defined as those over the age of 62, low-income residents, and veterans.

5. In 2017, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees, commercial tour fees, and transportation entrance fees on ten individual days. These include specific holidays, such as Martin Luther King Day and Veterans Day. Other fees such as reservation, camping, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included under the fee waiver unless decided by an individual park.

SUPPORT

California Parks and Recreation Society

OPPOSITION

None Received

-- END --

ASSEMBLY THIRD READING

ATR Bill Id:

Author:(Cooley)

As Amended Ver:May 26, 2017

Majority vote

SUMMARY: Provides 50% discounted admission to California State Parks on California Admission Day. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires the California State Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to grant 50% discounted admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on September 9, California Admission Day.
2. Specifies that the reduced admission discount applies to vehicle admission, parking, and day use, and is subject to those limitations the department deems necessary to manage the state park system to avoid overcrowding and damage to natural and cultural resources and for public health and safety.
3. Specifies that the discounted admission does not include camping fees, tour fees, swimming pool fees, fees for the use of boating facilities, museum and special event fees, or any supplemental or special event parking fees.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes the California State Park system and vests the DPR with control of the state park system and responsibility for administering, protecting, developing, and interpreting state parks for the use and enjoyment of the public. Requires the DPR to protect the state park system from damage and to preserve the peace therein.
2. Includes legislative findings that present funding for state parks has been significantly below the level necessary to fulfill the mission of the California State Park system. Requires that the DPR develop a prioritized action plan to increase revenues and collection of user fees at state parks.
3. Authorizes the DPR to provide discounted passes to certain groups of people including seniors over the age of 62, veterans, and low-income residents, as defined.

FISCAL EFFECT: According to the Assembly Appropriations Committee:

1. Unknown ongoing annual revenue losses in the up to $75,000 range depending on what day of the week Admission Day falls on (special fund).
2. Unknown annual ongoing increased labor costs of at least $100,000 to accommodate higher visitation (special fund).

COMMENTS:

Comments: Free and discounted admission days are not new to residents and visitors of California. In recent years, "free park" days have been hosted at national parks, state parks, and local parks and museums. These events serve as an entry for all residents and visitors to access park systems and to enjoy many of the 280 park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, and 4,500 miles of trails the state park system provides. As stated above, veterans and other defined military personnel are allowed free admission to state parks on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Other programs include:

1. State Park Free Admission Days. In recent years, California residents have seen a number of "free admission" days at state parks. The opportunity to provide access to outdoor spaces and build long-term appreciation and support for California's state parks has been carried out through free admission to veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day and a Green Friday Program. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) covers the costs for the free admission to veterans. Green Friday began in 2015 when the well-known retailer REI closed all of its stores on the day after Thanksgiving, urging outdoor activities as an alternative to Black Friday shopping. Save the Redwoods League (League) decided to take the initiative a step further by encouraging people to enjoy the holiday with friends and family in California's most spectacular landscapes. Collaborating with the DPR, the League covered the day-use fee for 48 redwood parks. The public response was so strong that the program added the California State Parks Foundation as a partner and expanded the number of participating state parks from 48 in 2015 to 116 in 2016. Parks were selected based on their ability to handle large crowds and showcase the diversity of the State Parks System. By the end of the 2016 event, 11,560 parking passes had been downloaded, totaling $115,600. This equated to more than 35,000 participants. Over 60 percent of the participants were first time visitors to a state park. The DPR worked closely with its partners on messaging/public relations and coordinated with field districts to properly welcome the large crowds.
2. National Park Free Admission Days. The National Parks System (NPS) allows free admission to more than 400 parks on six different days and weekends. According to the NPS, national parks are always economical, with entrance fees from $3 to $30. In addition, any fourth grade student can get a free annual pass through the Every Kid in a Park Program, and there are a variety of discounted passes available to seniors, veterans and disabled persons. Free admission days "provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the 120 national parks that normally charge an entrance fee."

Related Legislation: AB 150 (Olsen), Chapter 688, Statutes of 2013, authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to offer veterans and active duty or reserve military personnel of the United States (U.S.) Armed Forces or the National Guard, free day use access, or reduced fee access, to California state parks on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Analysis Prepared by: Catherine Freeman / W., P., & W. / (916) 319-2096 FN: 0000707

Date of Hearing: April 26, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1358

Author:(Cooley) – As Amended Ver:March 16, 2017

Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No

SUMMARY:

This bill requires the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to grant free admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on September 9, California Admission Day. Additionally, this bill:

1. Defines “free admission” as free vehicle admission, parking, and day use, and is subject to those limitations the department seems necessary to manage the state park system to avoid overcrowding and damage to natural and cultural resources and for public health and safety.
2. Specifies “free admission” does not include camping fees, tour fees, swimming pool fees, fees for the use of boating facilities, museum and special event fees, or any supplemental or special event parking fees.

FISCAL EFFECT:

1. Unknown ongoing annual revenue losses in the $35,000 to $150,000 range depending on what day of the week Admission Day falls on (special fund).
2. Unknown annual ongoing increased labor costs of at least $100,000 to accommodate higher visitation (special fund.)

COMMENTS:

1. Purpose. According to the author, increased park visitation can support the system’s long-term viability by building a stronger coalition between park users in support of all parks. A larger and more diverse coalition of park users ready to work in parks, to protect parks and toward generating needed revenues can help ensure a future where they flourish.
2. State Park Free Admission Days. In recent years, California residents have seen a number of “free admission” days at state parks including free admission to veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day and a Green Friday Program.

Green Friday began in 2015 when the well-known retailer REI closed all of its stores on the day after Thanksgiving, urging outdoor activities as an alternative to Black Friday shopping. Save the Redwoods League (League), collaborating with DPR, covered the day-use fee for 48 redwood parks on Green Friday. The public response was so strong that the program added the California State Parks Foundation as a partner and expanded the number of participating state parks from 48 in 2015 to 116 in 2016. Parks were selected based on their ability to handle large crowds and showcase the diversity of the State Parks System. By the end of the 2016 event, 11,560 parking passes had been downloaded, totaling $115,600. This equated to more than 35,000 participants. Over 60 percent of the participants were first time visitors to a state park. DPR worked closely with its partners on messaging/public relations and coordinated with field districts to properly welcome the large crowds.

1. National Park Free Admission Days. The National Parks System (NPS) allows free admission to more than 400 parks on six different days and weekends. According to the NPS, national parks are always economical, with entrance fees from $3 to $30. In addition, any fourth grade student can get a free annual pass through the Every Kid in a Park Program, and there are a variety of discounted passes available to seniors, veterans and disabled persons.

Analysis Prepared by: Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916) 319-2081

Date of Hearing: April 4, 2017

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON WATER, PARKS, AND WILDLIFE

Eduardo Garcia, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1358 (

Author:Cooley) – As Amended Ver:March 16, 2017

SUBJECT: State parks: California Admission Day: free admission

SUMMARY: Provides free admission to California State Parks on California Admission Day. Specifically, this bill:

1. Requires the California State Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to grant free admission to the general public to each unit of the state park system on September 9, California Admission Day.
2. Specifies that “free admission” means free vehicle admission, parking, and day use, and is subject to those limitations the department seems necessary to manage the state park system to avoid overcrowding and damage to natural and cultural resources and for public health and safety.
3. Specifies that “free admission” does not include camping fees, tour fees, swimming pool fees, fees for the use of boating facilities, museum and special event fees, or any supplemental or special event parking fees.

EXISTING LAW:

1. Establishes the California State Park system and vests the DPR with control of the state park system and responsibility for administering, protecting, developing, and interpreting state parks for the use and enjoyment of the public. Requires the DPR to protect the state park system from damage and to preserve the peace therein.
2. Includes legislative findings that present funding for state parks has been significantly below the level necessary to fulfill the mission of the California State Park system. Requires that the DPR develop a prioritized action plan to increase revenues and collection of user fees at state parks.
3. Authorizes the DPR to provide discounted passes to certain groups of people including seniors over the age of 62, veterans, and low-income residents, as defined.

FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown

COMMENTS:

Author’s Statement: Increased park visitation can support the system’s long-term viability by building a stronger coalition between park users in support of all parks. A larger, and more diverse coalition of park users ready to work in parks, to protect parks and toward generating needed revenues can help ensure a future where they flourish.

Related Legislation: AB 150 (Olsen), Chapter 688, Statutes of 2013, authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to offer veterans and active duty or reserve military personnel of the United States (U.S.) Armed Forces or the National Guard, free day use access, or reduced fee access, to California state parks on Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Comments: Free admission days are not new to residents and visitors of California. In recent years, “free park” days have been hosted at national parks, state parks, and local parks and museums. These events serve as an entry for all residents and visitors to access park systems and to enjoy many of the 280 park units, over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, and 4,500 miles of trails the state park system provides. As stated above, veterans and other defined military personnel are allowed free admission to state parks on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Other programs include:

• State Park Free Admission Days. In recent years, California residents have seen a number of “free admission” days at state parks. The opportunity to provide access to outdoor spaces and build long-term appreciation and support for California’s state parks has been carried out through free admission to veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day and a Green Friday Program. The California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) covers the costs for the free admission to veterans. Green Friday began in 2015 when the well-known retailer REI closed all of its stores on the day after Thanksgiving, urging outdoor activities as an alternative to Black Friday shopping. Save the Redwoods League (League) decided to take the initiative a step further by encouraging people to enjoy the holiday with friends and family in California’s most spectacular landscapes. Collaborating with the DPR, the League covered the day-use fee for 48 redwood parks. The public response was so strong that the program added the California State Parks Foundation as a partner and expanded the number of participating state parks from 48 in 2015 to 116 in 2016. Parks were selected based on their ability to handle large crowds and showcase the diversity of the State Parks System. By the end of the 2016 event, 11,560 parking passes had been downloaded, totaling $115,600. This equated to more than 35,000 participants. Over 60 percent of the participants were first time visitors to a state park. The DPR worked closely with its partners on messaging/public relations and coordinated with field districts to properly welcome the large crowds.
• National Park Free Admission Days. The National Parks System (NPS) allows free admission to more than 400 parks on six different days and weekends. According to the NPS, national parks are always economical, with entrance fees from $3 to $30. In addition, any fourth grade student can get a free annual pass through the Every Kid in a Park Program, and there are a variety of discounted passes available to seniors, veterans and disabled persons. Free admission days “provide a great opportunity to visit a new place or an old favorite, especially one of the 120 national parks that normally charge an entrance fee.”

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

None on file.

Opposition

None on file.

Analysis Prepared by: Catherine Freeman / W., P., & W. /