Senate Bill (SB-620) Establish New Fund for Trails
Senate Bill 620: Low Impact Camping (SB-620), sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore, Mike McGuire, and Assm. Damon Connolly aims to expand responsible camping opportunities in California, while also creating a new funding stream for non-motorized trails. Note: Assm Connolly also sponsored another piece of bike and trail-friendly legislation this season, ACR-152: California Mountain Biking Month, which he co-authored with Sen. Brian Jones.
About SB-620
If passed this legislation:
- Defines and exempts “low-impact camping areas” from the Special Occupancy Parks Act
(SOPA) - Establishes minimum health and safety requirements for low-impact camping areas in a
county that has adopted an ordinance authorizing low-impact camping. - Creates the Rural Tourism Marketing Fund to support tourism marketing and the expansion of nonmotorized trails across the state.
The newly created fund will be managed by the California State Coastal Conservancy and underwrite trail projects statewide. The Coastal Conservancy has a long history of successful grant-making and administration here in the state, including a number of trail-related projects across its 16-county footprint.
SB-620 is a refreshing take on responsible recreation. We believe it will strengthen the link between recreational resources like camping facilities and the trails visitors use to explore a particular region.
What’s Next for SB-620?
CAMTB and our sister c3 organization, the California Trails Foundation, will be expressing support during the Aug 28 committee hearing. If Senate Bill 620 clears committee, the legislation will go before the entire assembly for a floor vote. Once it clears the Assembly, it will head back to the Senate for final approval before making its way to the Governor’s desk.
How can you support advocacy for cycling, trails, and public lands?! We’re glad you asked!
- Become a Member of Your Local Bike-Friendly Trail Organization! Find yours from our list of local CAMTB affiliates HERE.
- Vote this November: Check your voter registration status with the California Secretary of State HERE. We need rec-friendly lawmakers in office now to support legislation like SB-620 now more than ever. Use your vote and your voice to help make that a reality.
- Become a Sustaining Supporter of CAMTB: Help us continue building our presence and influence in Sacramento and around the state with a one-time or recurring gift today!
