The department shall not collect from any group of pupils in kindergarten or grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or their escorts, including, but not limited to, teachers, other supervisory personnel, and busdrivers, any fee, rental or other return for the use of any unit in the state park system, except Hearst San Simeon State Historic Monument, which would otherwise be collectible pursuant to Section 5010, when the group is visiting the area pursuant to a school outing or field trip under the direction of school personnel and has made prior arrangements with the department either through reservation or contact with the department’s historical unit manager.

This section shall apply to both public and private schools located in the state.

It is the intent of the Legislature that this section applies to the day use of units in the state park system unless the Director of Parks and Recreation authorizes overnight camping by those groups designated in this section.

(Added by Stats. 1971, Ch. 1206.)