Bill > AB679

This bill aims to streamline the land acquisition process for Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks following the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Wildfire. The bill temporarily exempts the Department of Parks and Recreation from the typical requirement of obtaining State Public Works Board approval for land acquisitions in these parks until January 1, 2033. Specifically, the bill establishes new procedures for property acquisition, including requirements that purchase prices not exceed fair market value, appraisals be completed by licensed real estate appraisers, and all contracts be reviewed by the Department of General Services. The legislation also mandates public transparency by requiring the department to provide written notice to county supervisors, hold public meetings before closing property transactions, and submit biennial reports to the Legislature detailing the land acquisitions. The bill's key objectives are to enhance visitor services, improve park operations, strengthen habitat connectivity, and increase climate resilience in these state parks. The provisions were prompted by the extensive damage caused by the 2020 wildfire, which burned the entirety of Big Basin Redwoods State Park and portions of Butano and Año Nuevo State Parks, necessitating a reimagining and potential expansion of these park areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB679