Huffman bill would allow state parks donations via tax forms

SACRAMENTO — Gov. Jerry Brown will consider a bill that would give the embattled state Department of Parks and Recreation more ways to raise money.

The Assembly unanimously approved AB1589 late Thursday night. It would provide the department with new fundraising tools while limiting its ability to close parks.

Among other things, the bill by Democratic Assemblyman Jared Huffman of San Rafael would allow Californians to donate to the department by checking a box on their income tax returns.

Another provision that establishes a specialty state parks license plate was transferred into the budget signed by Brown in June.

It was revealed this summer that the parks department had been hiding $54 million even as 70 parks were threatened with closure. The Legislature approved a companion bill by Huffman addressing that scandal.