BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SB 204
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Date of Hearing: July 15, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
SB 204
(Pavley) - As Amended July 14, 2015
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: NoReimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill clarifies and expands the authority of the Department
of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and provides various
modifications to the operations of state parks. Specifically,
this bill:
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1)Increases the threshold for competitive bidding requirements
for park construction projects from $25,000 to $750,000.
2)Expands the services that cooperating associations can provide
in state parks.
3)Expands and extends existing authority for nonprofit operating
agreements in parks. Authorizes DPR to enter into agreements
with youth-serving non-profits, including opportunities for
youth to provide services in state parks.
4)Requires DPR to report on energy-related infrastructure needs
in state parks that may be eligible for cap and trade
revenues.
5)Authorizes DPR to give free park passes to volunteers of park
cooperating associations.
FISCAL EFFECT:
Increased costs for DPR (State Parks and Recreation Fund) over
two years in the $225,000 range for personnel to process new
cooperating association contract requests and amendments. This
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cost may be potentially offset by savings associated with the
cooperating associations assuming more duties.
COMMENTS:
1)Purpose. According to the author, this bill will facilitate
the implementation of reforms to California's state park
system recommended by the Parks Forward Commission.
This bill continues the approach of creating new ways DPR can
help itself financially without compromising the important
purposes for which state parks were created.
2)Background. In 2012, following a time of threatened state
park closures and other financial irregularities at state
parks, the Legislature called for creation of a
multidisciplinary advisory council, to conduct an independent
assessment and make recommendations on reforms necessary to
ensure the long-term sustainability of the state park system.
The Parks Forward Commission was subsequently appointed by the
Secretary of Natural Resources to conduct that review in 2013.
The Commission released its final report on January 30, 2015.
The Parks Forward Commission's report includes
comprehensive recommendations in numerous focus arears,
including identifying a stable and diversified funding
structure.
The Resources Agency and DPR appointed a Transformation Team
to work on the implementation of the Parks Forward
Commission's recommendations, including the provisions in this
bill.
3)Greenhouse Gas Reductions (GHG). This bill requires DPR to
identify 10 parks projects that may provide the most
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significant GHG reductions. The author may wish to include
consultation with the Air Resources Board in order to ensure
the projects provide quantifiable GHG reductions.
4)Recent Amendments. The most recent amendments reflected in
the July 14, 2015 version of the bill:
1) Delete intent language regarding existing concession
contracts.
2) Delete. the provision that provides for the preparation
of management or development plans as an alternative to
general plans.
3) Deletes provisions regarding low-impact services
including mobile food and beverage services.
The author may also wish to consider reducing the competitive
bidding threshold of $750,000 currently in the bill.
1)Related Legislation. AB 549 (Levine) enacts additional
provisions expanding DPR's ability to contract with nonprofits
and receive donations for the benefit of state parks. This
bill is pending in the Senate.
Analysis Prepared by:Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916)
319-2081
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