New law secures California library parks pass program

California’s popular State Library Parks Pass program is getting ongoing support under a new state law and the recently adopted 2026-27 budget.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1804, introduced by Assemblymember Gregg Hart, D-Santa Barbara, approving the California Department of Parks and Recreation to keep working with the California State Library and local library systems to provide the passes.

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Photo by Mary Hurlbut

The Dana Point Library will continue to offer those with library cards the opportunity to check out day passes to over 200 California State Parks

The program allows library card holders to check out a pass for free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 participating state parks. Passes are available at public libraries throughout California, including the Dana Point Library.

The state budget also established an ongoing appropriation for the program, ending the previous need for lawmakers to renew its funding annually.

“Cost should not be a barrier to experiencing the wonders of our state parks,” Rachel Norton, executive director of the California State Parks Foundation, said in a statement. “AB 1804, paired with the permanent program funding approved in this year’s state budget, helps safeguard this important program.”

More information is available at www.parks.ca.gov/30806.