AB-1702 • 2026

State park system: admission: veterans and military personnel.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Johnson
Last action: 2026-04-15
Official status: From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on when the new discount pass program will start.

State Park System: Admission for Veterans and Military Personnel

This law changes eligibility requirements for free or discounted passes at California state parks for veterans and military personnel.

What This Bill Does

Eliminates the requirement that a veteran must have served in a war to qualify for a free park pass.
Requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to issue a discount pass with a 15% reduction on all park fees to veterans and military personnel.

Who It Names or Affects

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces
Current active duty and reserve military personnel

Terms To Know

Department of Parks and Recreation: The state agency responsible for managing California's parks.
Veteran: A person who has served in the military and is no longer active duty.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify how much funding will be provided to cover the cost of free or discounted passes.
The bill does not mention when the new discount pass program will start.

Bill History

2026-04-15 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-03-24 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on M. & V.A. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on M. & V.A.
2026-03-24 California Legislative Information
Coauthors revised.
2026-02-23 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on W., P., & W. and M. & V.A.
2026-02-05 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 7.
2026-02-04 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1702, as introduced, Johnson.
State park system: admission: veterans and military personnel.
(1) 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 eliminate from the eligibility requirements for this pass that a veteran be a veteran of war.
(2) Existing law authorizes the department to offer to a veteran or current active duty or reserve military personnel for the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard of any
state a reduced fee or free day use of California state parks, as provided, on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, if proper proof of military service is provided, as specified.
This bill would require the department to issue a discount pass entitling the bearer to 15% off the cost to use all facilities in the state park system to these veterans and military personnel, as provided.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF