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Committee advances Parks Preservation Act to restrict development in state parks
Summary
The Senate committee favorably reported CS for SB 80, the Parks Preservation Act, which defines conservation-based uses for state parks, requires greater public notice and transparency for land-management changes, and directs a report on park maintenance spending and backlog.
Chair Broder's Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government on Wednesday reported CS for Senate Bill 80, the Parks Preservation Act, after sponsor Sen. Gayle Harrell outlined the bill and members heard public testimony both for and suggesting technical refinements.
The bill, as described by Sen. Gayle Harrell, establishes that the purpose of state parks is "to preserve and protect our natural environment, the flora and fauna, and make sure that that is accessible to the public" and limits park uses to conservation-based public outdoor recreation. Harrell told the committee the measure "specifically prohibits the division from authorizing certain uses or construction of activities within the park including sports that require facilities such as golf courses, tennis courts, pickleball courts, ball fields, and other similar facilities."
Why it matters: SB 80 responds to public concern after proposals last year to add commercial amenities to parks. Supporters told the committee the bill would protect habitats and public access and add transparency to land-management decisions.
Supporters at the committee hearing included conservation and civic groups and individuals. Katie Ross, who identified herself as a Jacksonville resident, said, "Sadly, our state parks are under attack by private interest groups," and urged stronger protections. Dylan Lovings of GenCLIO said the bill "represents not just policy, but principle" and called parks "sanctuaries of biodiversity, not sites for concrete and commercialization." Youth organizers and other speakers asked the committee to approve the bill to protect access for future generations.
The bill requires land-management plans for parcels within state parks to be developed with input from an advisory committee and requires at least 30 days' notice before a Department of Environmental Protection public hearing on major park changes. It also directs a report to the governor and legislative leaders detailing park spending categories and a cost estimate and plan for the backlog of maintenance and repairs.
Committee members asked for technical clarifications and Harrell said she expects to work on amendments as the bill moves forward. After public testimony and debate, the committee clerk called the roll; members recorded "yes" votes and the committee reported CS for SB 80 favorably.
The committee action is a committee-level favorable report; it does not itself change law. Any next steps — amendments or final passage on the Senate floor — were not decided at the meeting.
