CA AB1478

Establishes qualification criteria for State Park and Recreation Commission members, including expertise in cultural/historical resources, parks management, nonprofit operations, and conservation, plus adds two ex officio legislative members appointed by the Speaker and Senate Rules Committee.

Appropriates $120,000 annually for fiscal years 2012-13 and 2013-14 to fund commission activities including evaluating deferred maintenance, conducting annual budget review workshops, and assessing visitor services and revenue opportunities.

Prohibits the department from closing or proposing to close any state park during fiscal years 2012-13 and 2013-14, and appropriates $20,500,000 from the State Parks and Recreation Fund for matching donor contributions and directing funds to parks at risk of closure.

Appropriates $10,000,000 from the 2006 Safe Drinking Water and Water Quality Bond Act for state park capital outlay projects, available for expenditure until June 30, 2015.

Modifies the revenue generation program by depositing incremental revenues into the State Parks and Recreation Fund, requiring 50% of excess revenues in the California State Park Enterprise Fund be allocated back to generating districts, and adds "capacity to improve visitor services and experiences" as a loan ranking criterion for the revolving loan program.