H.R. 4604: Protecting America’s Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists (PATRIOT) Parks Act

This bill, titled the Protecting America’s Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists (PATRIOT) Parks Act, aims to amend existing legislation related to fees for national parks by introducing a surcharge specifically for international visitors. Below is a summary of the key points addressed in the bill:

New Entrance Fee Surcharge

The bill proposes a new surcharge on entrance fees for international visitors to units of the National Park System. Here are the main components:

• Definition of International Visitor: An "international visitor" is defined as a nonimmigrant person admitted to the U.S. under specific sections of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
• Establishment of the Surcharge: The Secretary of the Interior will have the authority to allow park superintendents to impose a surcharge on entrance fees for international visitors. This surcharge amount will be set to maximize revenue while maintaining international visitation levels.
• Collection Methods: The surcharge can be collected either directly by the Secretary or through an agreement with third-party vendors. It may be a separate charge or included with existing entrance fees.
• Revenue Utilization: Funds collected from this surcharge will be retained by the specific park where they were collected and used for maintenance, visitor services, and staffing needs.

Exceptions to the Surcharge

The bill includes specific exceptions where the surcharge would not apply:

• No surcharge will be charged for the entrance fee to the Washington Monument.
• Units designated as International Peace Parks will exempt foreign nationals from these fees if they meet conditions related to current agreements with their home country.

Surcharge on Recreation Passes

Additionally, the bill mandates that the Secretary establish a surcharge on the sale of National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes for international visitors. The key details are:

• The surcharge amount is subject to increase by the Secretary based on reasonable criteria.
• Funds from these surcharges will be deposited into the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund, designated for conservation and restoration efforts.

Impact on Visitor Experience

The intent of the surcharge is to enhance the resource management of national parks while retaining accessibility for international visitors. Considerations for visitor experience are integrated into how the surcharge is structured and collected.

Relevant Companies

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