SB 378

Bill Subjects

State Parks Expanded Polystyrene Food Container And Cooler Ban State Beaches

Abstract

Existing law makes it an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $25 for a person to smoke on a state beach or in a unit of a state park system. This bill would make it an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $25 for a person to bring an expanded polystyrene, as defined, food container or cooler on a state beach, as defined, or in a unit of a state park system, as defined, and for improper disposal, as provided. The bill would establish a state-mandated local program by creating a new crime. The bill would provide that a person who violates this provision for the first time shall be subject to a warning by an officer of the state parks. The bill would require the Department of Parks and Recreation to, among other things, develop and post signs at strategic locations, as determined by the Director of Parks and Recreation, of state beaches and units of the state park system operated by the department to provide notice of the expanded polystyrene prohibition. The bill would require an entity operating, pursuant to an agreement with the department, a state beach or unit of the state park system that is not operated by the department to post signs approved by the department at strategic locations, as determined by the operating entity and approved by the department, to provide notice of the expanded polystyrene prohibition. The bill would require the expanded polystyrene prohibition to be enforced at a state beach or unit of the state park system only after appropriate signs have been posted pursuant to these provisions. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.