Assembly Member Papan proposes amendments to California park discontinuance law

California Assembly Bill 650, introduced by Assembly Member Papan on February 13, 2025, seeks to amend existing provisions regarding the discontinuance of parks in the state. The bill primarily focuses on updating the procedural requirements for legislative bodies, such as city councils and boards of trustees, when considering the abandonment and sale of park land.

The key provision of AB 650 involves nonsubstantive changes to Section 38405 of the Government Code, which outlines the process for a legislative body to publish a resolution regarding the discontinuance of a park. Specifically, the bill mandates that the resolution must be published weekly for at least three weeks in a local newspaper, ensuring transparency and public awareness before any final action is taken. Additionally, it requires that at least four copies of the resolution be posted conspicuously along the park's boundaries.

While the bill does not introduce significant changes to the existing law, it aims to clarify and streamline the process for local governments. There has been little public debate or opposition noted thus far, likely due to the bill's technical nature and lack of major implications for park policy.

The significance of AB 650 lies in its potential to enhance procedural clarity for local governments, which may lead to more consistent practices regarding park discontinuance. By ensuring that communities are adequately informed about proposed changes to local parks, the bill may foster greater public engagement in local governance.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will be important to monitor any discussions or amendments that may arise, particularly as they relate to community input and the preservation of public green spaces. The next steps will involve committee reviews and potential votes, where stakeholders may voice their opinions on the bill's implications for local park management.