Encouraging Public Service in Our National Parks and Public Land Act | ChamberLight
Bills · S 3429
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 3429Public Lands and Natural Resources
Encouraging Public Service in Our National Parks and Public Land Act
INTRO DEC 10· LAST ACTION DEC 10
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
7
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it guarantees that certain important holidays and days of national observance will always be free entry days at federal recreational lands. Currently, whether or not these days are free is up to the discretion of the government, which can change year to year. By making these days mandatory fee-free days, the bill ensures consistent public access to these natural treasures, potentially encouraging more people to visit, learn about, and appreciate public lands on these specific dates. If this bill doesn't become law, the decision to offer fee-free days on these dates would remain optional, and could vary, potentially limiting access or consistency for visitors.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires fee-free admission to federal recreational lands and waters on six specific days each year.
This ensures consistent public access to national parks and other federal lands on important holidays and observances.
PROVISION 02
The six mandated fee-free days include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.
These specific days are chosen to align with national pride, remembrance, and community service, as outlined in the bill's findings.
PROVISION 03
Retains the authority for the Secretary to designate additional fee-free days beyond the six mandated days.
This allows for flexibility to respond to specific events or needs while still guaranteeing a baseline of free access days.
This bill matters because it guarantees that certain important holidays and days of national observance will always be free entry days at federal recreational lands. Currently, whether or not these days are free is up to the discretion of the government, which can change year to year. By making these days mandatory fee-free days, the bill ensures consistent public access to these natural treasures, potentially encouraging more people to visit, learn about, and appreciate public lands on these specific dates. If this bill doesn't become law, the decision to offer fee-free days on these dates would remain optional, and could vary, potentially limiting access or consistency for visitors.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires fee-free admission to federal recreational lands and waters on six specific days each year.
This ensures consistent public access to national parks and other federal lands on important holidays and observances.
high
The six mandated fee-free days include Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the first day of National Park Week, Juneteenth, Great American Outdoors Day, National Public Lands Day, and Veterans Day.
These specific days are chosen to align with national pride, remembrance, and community service, as outlined in the bill's findings.
med
Retains the authority for the Secretary to designate additional fee-free days beyond the six mandated days.
This allows for flexibility to respond to specific events or needs while still guaranteeing a baseline of free access days.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
A law that allows federal agencies to charge fees for people to use certain recreational sites and services on federal lands, and specifies how those fees can be used.
Secretary
Refers to the head of a government department, in this context likely the Secretary of the Interior, who oversees the National Park System and other public lands.
Federal recreational lands and waters
Land and water areas managed by the U.S. government that are open to the public for activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and boating, including national parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges.
Fee-free days
Specific days when visitors are not required to pay an entrance fee to access certain federal recreational lands and waters.
National Park System
A network of protected areas across the United States, including national parks, monuments, preserves, and historic sites, managed by the National Park Service.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
DEC 10, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
DEC 10, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.