Summary of HR 4386: Amendment to the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 4386

Title: To amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to clarify entrance privileges for vehicles with respect to the America the Beautiful interagency pass.

Introduced: July 14, 2025

Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held

Primary Sponsor: Tim Walberg

Cosponsor: Daniel Webster

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HR 4386 is to clarify the entrance privileges associated with the America the Beautiful interagency pass, specifically regarding vehicle access to federal recreational lands. This amendment aims to ensure that passholders and their passengers can enter these lands without confusion over fees and access rights.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to Section 805(a)(7) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6804(a)(7)):

1. Guideline Issuance:

   • The language is modified to state that "The Secretaries shall issue guidelines," ensuring clarity in the issuance process.

2. Pass Coverage:

   • The bill specifies that when a National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is used for access to federal recreational lands and waters on a per-vehicle fee basis, the pass will cover:
     • For Private Vehicles: The entrance fee and standard amenity recreation fee for the passholder and any passengers in a single private, noncommercial vehicle.
     • For Motorcycles:
     • The passholder and any passengers on the motorcycle.
     • One additional motorcycle, including passengers, accompanying the passholder.

Impact

This bill would primarily affect individuals who utilize the America the Beautiful interagency pass to access federal recreational lands. By clarifying the coverage of the pass, it aims to enhance the experience for visitors, ensuring that they understand their rights and privileges regarding vehicle access.

Affected Parties

• Passholders: Individuals who purchase the America the Beautiful interagency pass.
• Federal Recreational Lands: National parks and other federal lands that charge entrance fees.
• Federal Agencies: The Secretaries of the relevant departments responsible for issuing guidelines and managing these lands.

Legislative Timeline

• July 14, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee on Agriculture.
• September 11, 2025: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
• September 18, 2025: Subcommittee hearings were held to discuss the bill.

Conclusion

HR 4386 seeks to enhance clarity and accessibility for users of the America the Beautiful interagency pass by explicitly defining vehicle access privileges. This amendment is designed to streamline the experience for visitors to federal recreational lands, ensuring that they can enjoy these spaces without ambiguity regarding fees and access rights.