H.R. 6603: Our Parks Act

This bill, known as the Our Parks Act, aims to amend existing legislation regarding entrance fees to national parks and national wildlife refuges. Specifically, it proposes the following:

Waiver of Entrance Fees

The bill stipulates that the Secretary of the Interior will not charge entrance fees for any unit of the National Park System or National Wildlife Refuge System on Federal holidays. This includes any parks or refuges that usually require payment to enter.

Definition of Federal Holidays

Federal holidays, as referred to in this bill, are those recognized by the government, according to Section 6103 of Title 5 of the United States Code. This typically includes holidays such as:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

Impact on Visitors

The primary aim of the bill is to make national parks and wildlife refuges more accessible to the public by eliminating entrance fees on these designated holidays. It is expected to encourage more people to visit these natural spaces, potentially increasing attendance and engagement with nature.

Administration of the Bill

The bill requires the Secretary of the Interior to implement this waiver of fees, ensuring that it is enforced consistently across all applicable parks and refuges on Federal holidays.

Overall Goals

The overall goal is to promote public access to national parks and wildlife refuges while fostering enjoyment and appreciation of those natural resources. By removing financial barriers on specific days, the bill seeks to celebrate national holidays as opportunities for individuals and families to enjoy these recreational areas without cost.

Relevant Companies

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