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SB-893 • 2026

State parks: facilities pass: Gold Star Family members.

State parks: facilities pass: Gold Star Family members.

Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Seyarto
Last action
2026-04-24
Official status
Set for hearing May 4.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source does not provide specific details about what constitutes 'proof' for eligibility or the exact definition of 'Gold Star Family'.

Free State Park Passes for Gold Star Families

This law allows eligible Gold Star Family members to get a free pass from the Department of Parks and Recreation for use at all state park facilities, including boat launching areas.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to issue a free pass to eligible Gold Star Family members upon presentation of proof.
  • Includes boat launching facilities in the list of places where the pass can be used.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Gold Star Families who want to use California's state parks for free.
  • The Department of Parks and Recreation, which will issue these passes.

Terms To Know

Gold Star Family
A family that lost a member while serving in the military during war time.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify how much it will cost or who will pay for these passes.
  • It is unclear if there are limits on how many times someone can use their pass.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-24 California Legislative Information

    Set for hearing May 4.

  2. 2026-04-21 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 4. Noes 0.) (April 20). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  3. 2026-03-24 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on M. & V.A. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0. Page 3660.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on M. & V.A.

  4. 2026-03-11 California Legislative Information

    Set for hearing March 24.

  5. 2026-02-11 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Coms. on N.R. & W. and M. & V.A.

  6. 2026-01-16 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 15.

  7. 2026-01-15 California Legislative Information

    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Official Summary Text

SB 893, as introduced, Seyarto.
State parks: facilities pass: Gold Star Family members.
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 require an eligible Gold Star Family member, as defined, upon presentation of proof to the department, to be issued a pass for use of all facilities, including boat launching facilities, in units of the state park system.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF