State parks: American River: concessionaires.

Existing law authorizes the Department of Parks and Recreation to enter into contracts with natural persons, corporations, partnerships, and associations for the construction, maintenance, and operation of concessions within units of the state park system for the safety and convenience of the general public in the use and enjoyment of, and the enhancement of recreational and educational experiences at, units of the state park system. Existing law requires that all contracts, including concession contracts, authorizing occupancy of any portion of the state park system for a period of more than 3 years be awarded to the best responsible bidder, except as specified. This bill would require the department to meet and negotiate with existing recreational concessionaires located on the South, Middle, and North Forks of the American River to find a solution that will protect the natural resources of these forks of the American River and will permit those existing businesses to continue to operate. The bill would require the department to keep those contracts in place and to have until January 1, 2026, to finalize a path that allows those existing recreational concessionaires to come into full compliance with these provisions.