This policy brief examines the inequities in access to California’s state parks among low income communities, particularly those served by Title I schools. Despite the enactment of Assembly Bill 616 (AB 616), which successfully expanded park access through free vehicle pass distribution at public libraries, financial and geographic barriers continue to exclude many underprivileged families. These inequities prevent many children and adults from obtaining the educational, health, and social benefits of nature. The brief addresses the historical and socioeconomic roots of environmental inaccessibility in California, evaluating AB 616’s partial success and identifying its limitations in reaching underserved populations. It proposes a companion bill to AB 616 extending pass distribution to Title I school libraries, as well as proposes the creation of digital park passes to scale improvements in accessibility. These policy options aim to create a more equitable and accessible framework for park participation. Ultimately, expanding environmental access through inclusive policy design supports California's goal of achieving “parks for all.”

Published by ‍

 on ‍

January 10, 2026