State parks: parks passes: libraries.

Children Education

Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor: Hart
Last action: 2026-06-03
Official status: Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The bill summary and digest do not provide specific details on funding or participation by all libraries.

State Parks Passes for Libraries

This law allows state parks to give free passes through libraries, making it easier for children in California public schools to visit parks.

What This Bill Does

Declares that the policy of the state is to ensure equitable and inclusive access to the state park system by empowering the Department of Parks and Recreation to administer programs that broaden public access to the state parks.
Authorizes the department to work with the California State Library and individual library systems to provide park passes.

Who It Names or Affects

Children in California who are enrolled in public schools.
Libraries across California that can now offer free park passes.
The Department of Parks and Recreation which will manage these programs.

Terms To Know

California State Park Adventure Pass: A special pass given to fourth-grade students in California public schools, allowing them free entry to state parks.
Equitable and Inclusive Access: Making sure that everyone has fair chances to use the state park system without any barriers.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how much it will cost or where the funding for these programs comes from.
It is unclear if all libraries in California will participate in this program.

Bill History

2026-06-03 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.
2026-05-21 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2026-05-21 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 74. Noes 0.)
2026-05-18 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2026-05-14 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14).
2026-04-08 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
2026-03-24 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-02-23 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on W., P., & W.
2026-02-11 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 13.
2026-02-10 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1804, as introduced, Hart.
State parks: parks passes: libraries.
Existing law authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to collect fees, rents, and other returns for the use of any state park system area, as provided. Existing law authorizes the department to establish the California State Park Adventure Pass to be available, upon application to the department, to any child in grade 4, or grade 4 equivalent, who is a California resident and enrolled in a California public school. Existing law authorizes the department to waive the day use entrance fees to an eligible unit of the state park system for any child who holds a valid pass, as provided.
The bill would declare, among other things, that it is the policy of the state to ensure equitable and inclusive access to the state park system by empowering the department to administer programs that broaden public access to the state parks. The bill would
authorize the department to work with the California State Library and individual library systems to provide park passes.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF