CA SB974

Revises legislative intent for addressing state park budget reductions to prioritize implementing efficiencies and increasing revenue collection, with full park closures only as a last resort after exploring operating agreements with nonprofits and local governments.

Requires the department to document and publicly disclose the methodology, rationale, and scoring system used to evaluate and select parks designated for closure on or after January 1, 2013, using 15 specified factors including visitation rates, net savings, local economic impacts, ADA accessibility, and fire safety considerations.

Mandates the department prepare individual park reopening plans by July 1, 2013, for any park closed on or after July 1, 2012, including information on needed work, resource protection, staffing recommendations, and alternative reopening strategies.

Requires the department to submit a park closure report to the State Parks Commission and Legislature, with a 30-day public comment period, and annually update the report if additional closures occur.

Establishes requirement for a master parks reopening plan submitted to the Legislature by January 1, 2014, and annually thereafter, prioritizing reopening based on nonprofit partnerships, community support, local economic impacts, and potential for securing nongovernmental funding.