BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 150
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CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 150 (Olsen)
As Amended September 3, 2013
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |77-0 |(May 29, 2013) |SENATE: |39-0 |(September 9, |
| | | | | |2013) |
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Original Committee Reference: W., P. & W.
SUMMARY : 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.
The Senate amendments delete the requirement for veterans and
military personnel to be provided with free day use access to
state parks and instead authorize DPR, at its discretion, to
offer veterans and current military personnel the ability to
access a state park on Memorial Day and Veterans Day for free or
for a reduced fee. Applies to any state park unit that is
operated by the state and accessible with a vehicle day use
annual pass, as listed on DPR's Web site.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Establishes the California State Park system and vests 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 DPR
to protect the state park system from damage and to preserve
the peace therein.
2)Entitles California residents to passes for use of all DPR
operated units if such residents are honorably discharged U.S.
veterans of war and establish proof of one of the following:
having a 50% or greater service-connected disability, having
been held as a prisoner of war, or having received the
Congressional Medal of Honor. DPR administers the resulting
Distinguished Veteran Pass program.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Appropriations
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Committee, unknown cost pressures for the potential loss of
revenue, potentially in the hundreds of thousands to low
millions of dollars annually, to the State Parks and Recreation
Fund (special).
COMMENTS : The purpose of this bill is to allow every member of
the military, both retired and active, to have free day use
access to California state parks on the two holidays
commemorating their service and valor. The author states that
this bill is a small way to show the appreciation of
Californians for their service and sacrifice, while giving them
access to enjoy the state's beautiful natural resources. This
bill applies only to day use access on these two holidays, and
does not apply to camping fees or other park services other than
day use. Similar provisions have been implemented by the
National Park Service and in other states such as Colorado.
Supporters of this bill emphasize the importance of recognizing
veterans and active duty military personnel and note this bill
will increase access to the State Parks System, encourage
greater attendance at state parks, and enhance appreciation for
our natural resources and environmental protection. State and
national veterans groups support this bill, which they view as
providing "our brave men and women who have and are serving, the
chance to enjoy our state parks on the holidays dedicated to
honor our heroes."
The Assembly version required that free day use access be
provided to veterans and active or reserve military personnel on
the two holidays. The Senate amendments, in recognition of the
fiscal constraints facing state parks, authorize rather than
require DPR to provide veterans and military personnel with
either free day use access or access for a reduced fee on the
two holidays.
Analysis Prepared by : Diane Colborn / W., P. & W. / (916)
319-2096
FN: 0002335
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