Brown OKs state parks funding to prevent closures | News

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown has signed several bills to keep California's state parks open and ensure greater spending oversight in the wake of a scandal in which parks officials hid $54 million. 

Brown announced Tuesday that he signed AB1478 by Democratic Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield of Woodland Hills and AB1589 by Democratic Assemblyman Jared Huffman of San Rafael. 

Together, the bills establish a two-year moratorium on parks closures, provide about $30 million in funding and give the parks new fundraising tools. 

The top parks official resigned this summer after it was revealed that some employees kept $54 million hidden in department special funds at the same time 70 parks were threatened with closure. 

The new laws also give a state commission more authority to oversee the Department of Parks and Recreation.