State Parks seeks ongoing funding to continue library pass program; LAO flags it as a lower priority

Director Armando Quintero of California State Parks asked the subcommittee to convert the library park‑pass pilot into an ongoing program with a $6.75 million general‑fund transfer to the State Parks and Recreation Fund.

Quintero said the pilot, launched under California Outdoors for All, provides 33,000 state park passes to more than 1,100 libraries and is the most checked‑out item in many libraries. He said about 60% of respondents to program surveys reported annual household incomes below $60,000 and argued the program expands equitable access to parks.

LAO analysts recommended rejecting the ongoing appropriation given competing budget priorities and the need to apply a high bar for new general‑fund entitlements. Committee members probed the department on usage tracking and marginal operational costs. State Parks said most passes are used and that the $6.75 million figure reflects the department's estimate of marginal costs tied to annual pass values and increased usage (maintenance, restroom use, wear and tear).

Members asked whether a more targeted subsidy for low‑income households would better match the department's equity goals while reducing general‑fund exposure; the department said it will provide additional data on pass usage and marginal cost calculations for committee review.