SACRAMENTO – The Legislature on Friday approved a plan from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to enable collaboration and innovation between the state Department of Parks and Recreation, universities and researchers.

“I commend my fellow lawmakers for passing this commonsense bill, which will allow researchers to better utilize scientific discoveries made in state parks,” Sen. Dodd said. “This will encourage discovery while allowing California to realize substantial social, ecological and economic benefits.”

Current law limits the use and development of discoveries found in state parks. For example, when a UC Davis plant professor discovered bacteria in a park with the potential to fight a tomato-killing disease, he was unable to develop it.

Senate Bill 442 allows the parks director to issue commercialization permits to qualified universities and institutions, letting breakthroughs to go to market.

SB 442 passed both legislative chambers with overwhelming support and heads next to Gov. Gavin Newsom for a signature.

It is sponsored by the University of California and is backed by the California Tomato Research Institute and independent groups.

“Innovation and collaboration are crucial to a research university like ours,” said Gary S. May, chancellor of UC Davis. “I’m thankful to Sen. Dodd for his vision and leadership, to California lawmakers and to the California Department of Parks and Recreation for their technical assistance in addressing a hurdle that can impede scientific discoveries. This legislation is helpful not just for higher education, but for society as a whole. Without it, the benefit of our research for the public good, in this specific space, would not be possible.”

Dodd represents California’s Third Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties.