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Bill

HB 1853

Designating school district recreational properties as green community schoolyards and developing a model shared-use agreement to increase the use of existing playgrounds and playfields.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Peter Abbarno and 13 co-sponsors

HB 1853 opens school playgrounds to public use through green schoolyard designations and standardized shared-use agreements to boost community recreation access.

First reading, referred to Education.
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Bill Summary · HB 1853

Legislative bill overview

HB 1853 designates school district recreational properties as "green community schoolyards" and requires development of a model shared-use agreement template. The bill aims to increase public access to and utilization of existing school playgrounds and playfields during non-school hours by facilitating partnerships between schools and community organizations.

Why is this important

School recreational facilities represent substantial public infrastructure investments that often sit underutilized outside school hours. Increasing access can expand free recreation opportunities for underserved communities, support public health through increased physical activity, and generate potential revenue for schools through facility rentals—particularly valuable given persistent education funding pressures.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability and safety concerns: Schools and districts may worry about increased liability exposure, maintenance burdens, and security issues from expanded public access to facilities
  • Implementation costs: Creating and managing shared-use agreements, improving green infrastructure, and maintaining facilities for extended hours could impose unfunded mandates on school districts with limited budgets
  • Equity in access: The bill's success depends on equitable distribution of designated properties; schools in affluent areas may benefit more, potentially widening disparities rather than narrowing them

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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