CA AB1589

Enacts the California State Park Stewardship Act of 2012 requiring the Department of Parks and Recreation to develop a prioritized action plan to increase revenues and user fees at state parks, with a report due to the Legislature by July 1, 2013.

Allows qualified nonprofit organizations operating state park units to be deemed agents of the state for property tax purposes, exempting state-owned property and possessory interests used by those organizations from taxation.

Creates the State Parks Protection Fund and requires the Franchise Tax Board to allow taxpayers to designate refundable amounts on individual income tax returns to fund state park protection, with contributions of $250,000 or more annually required to keep the fund on tax forms.

Entitles taxpayers who contribute at least the price of a state parks day use annual pass to receive one free pass, with excess contributions deductible as charitable donations.

Permits operating agreements with nonprofits for no more than 20 state park units only to avoid closures, with provisions for public accountability through annual reports and joint public meetings.