(a) Except as provided in Section 5080.16, all contracts authorizing occupancy of any portion of the state park system for a period of more than three years shall be awarded to the best responsible bidder.

(b) “Best responsible bidder” means the bidder, as determined by specific standards established by the department, that, as determined by the department, will operate the concession (1) consistent with the contract, (2) in a manner fully compatible with, and complementary to, the characteristics, features, and theme of the unit in which the concession will be operated, (3) in the best interests of the state and public, and (4) in a manner that protects the state’s trademark and service mark rights in the names associated with a state park venue and its historical, cultural, and recreational resources. For purposes of this section, a bidder who would be subject to subdivision (b) of Section 5080.22 is not a best responsible bidder.

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 742, Sec. 6. (SB 1493) Effective January 1, 2019.)