Department of Parks and Recreation: Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks.

Assembly Member Pellerin's legislation creates a temporary framework for expedited land acquisitions at three California state parks damaged by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Wildfire. The bill exempts property acquisitions for Big Basin Redwoods, Año Nuevo, and Butano State Parks from State Public Works Board oversight through January 1, 2033, while maintaining public transparency requirements.

Under the new provisions, the Department of Parks and Recreation must ensure property purchases do not exceed fair market value as determined by licensed appraisers and approved by the Department of General Services. The department must provide advance notice to county supervisors and hold public meetings at least 30 days before closing escrow on acquisitions. Adjacent property owners must receive meeting notifications 10 days prior, with special outreach required to locate landowners displaced by the 2020 wildfire.

The legislation mandates departmental reporting to the Legislature in 2028, 2030, and 2032 detailing all property transactions conducted under this authority, including associated costs and timeframes. The bill maintains existing requirements for properties valued over $5 million, including public meetings and 90-day notices to local jurisdictions and legislative officials. After the temporary provisions expire in 2033, acquisitions will return to standard procedures under a new statutory framework established by the bill.