State parks: facilities pass: Gold Star Family members.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kelly Seyarto

SB 893 would issue free California state park passes to Gold Star Family members, granting access to all park facilities, including boat launches, upon proof of eligibility.

May 14 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.

#goldstarfamilymembers #stateparks #facilitiespass

Summary of SB 893 (California, 2025-2026)

Main purpose and intent

SB 893, introduced by Senator Seyarto, would expand the types of state park passes available to certain family members of U.S. military personnel. Specifically, it creates a state park pass program for Gold Star Family members, enabling them to use all facilities within the California state park system, including boat launching facilities, upon presenting appropriate proof.

Key provisions and changes

Adds Section 5011.4 to the Public Resources Code.

Definitions:

Eligible Gold Star Family member: a California resident who is eligible to receive a gold star lapel button under 10 U.S.C. § 1126.

Issuance and scope:

An eligible Gold Star Family member who provides proof to the Department of Parks and Recreation shall be issued a pass that entitles the bearer to the use of all facilities in units of the state park system, including boat launching facilities.

Implementation:

The Department of Parks and Recreation shall adopt regulations as necessary to implement the new section.

Who would be affected

Beneficiaries: Eligible Gold Star Family members (as defined in the bill) who are California residents and who can demonstrate eligibility for a Gold Star Lapel Button.

Government agency: California Department of Parks and Recreation, which would issue the passes and adopt implementing regulations.

Targeted facilities: All state park facilities, with explicit inclusion of boat launching facilities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill text indicates standard legislative process language, with committee hearings and referrals:

Fiscal and other committee references noted in the action history.
Action history shows hearings and approvals in 2026, including passage through committees and placement on consent or suspense files at various steps.

Regulatory timeline:

The department would need to adopt regulations as necessary to implement the new pass program, though the bill does not specify a fixed compliance deadline.

Notable details

No direct state funding or appropriations are specified in the bill text; it states “Appropriation: NO,” indicating no new discretionary funding is attached to the bill itself.

The pass would cover “all facilities, including boat launching facilities,” expanding potential access beyond just traditional park amenities.

Overall impact

SB 893 aims to recognize Gold Star Family members by granting free access to California state parks and related facilities, aligning with existing veteran and special-access policies but extending them to Gold Star families. If enacted, eligible individuals could obtain a state park pass through proof of eligibility, with the Department issuing the passes and implementing necessary regulations.