Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 183
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-22: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T19:38:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 183: Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act
Purpose
This legislation aims to provide free access to national parks and other federal recreational lands for law enforcement officers and firefighters as a benefit for their public service. It amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (a 2004 law that manages fees for using federal recreational areas) to expand eligibility for no-cost annual passes.
Key Provisions
- Free Annual Passes: The act updates the existing law to make the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass available at no cost to:
- Members of the Armed Forces and their dependents (this was already in place).
- Law enforcement officers or firefighters, upon providing proof of eligibility as determined by the Secretary (likely the Secretary of the Interior or Agriculture, who oversee federal lands).
- Definitions:
- Firefighter: Any employee of the federal government, a state, local government unit, or an Indian Tribe who works directly on suppressing fires, including wildland fires.
- Law enforcement officer: Any officer, agent, or employee of the federal government, a state, local government unit, or an Indian Tribe who is authorized to prevent, detect, investigate crimes, or supervise sentenced offenders.
- The bill was passed by the House on July 21, 2025, and referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on July 22, 2025.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Previously, free annual passes under Section 805(b)(3) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6804(b)) were limited to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents.
- This amendment broadens eligibility to include law enforcement officers and firefighters, adding new definitions to clarify who qualifies. It does not alter pass benefits (unlimited access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites) but removes the fee barrier for these groups.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Federal land management agencies (e.g., National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service) may experience slightly higher visitation from eligible individuals without collecting entrance or day-use fees, potentially reducing short-term revenue but promoting broader public use of lands.
- On Citizens: Law enforcement officers and firefighters gain cost-free access to recreational areas, which could improve their work-life balance, mental health, and family recreation opportunities. It does not directly affect other citizens but encourages appreciation of public lands among first responders.
- On International Relations: No apparent impacts, as the legislation focuses solely on domestic public servants and U.S. federal lands.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary Beneficiaries: Law enforcement officers and firefighters employed by federal, state, local governments, or Indian Tribes (estimated millions nationwide, including over 1 million firefighters and 800,000 law enforcement personnel).
- Government Entities: Federal agencies managing recreational lands (e.g., Department of the Interior, Department of Agriculture) responsible for issuing passes and verifying eligibility.
- Indirectly Affected: Families of eligible individuals (via existing military dependent provisions, though not explicitly extended here) and taxpayers, through any minor shifts in federal recreation fee collections.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The changes are straightforward amendments to an existing fee-management law, requiring only administrative updates for eligibility verification (e.g., via badges or employment proof). No new enforcement mechanisms or funding are introduced, minimizing legal challenges.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under the Property Clause (Article IV, Section 3) to regulate federal lands, and promotes equal treatment of public servants without raising equal protection concerns.
- Political: Positions the legislation as a non-controversial tribute to essential workers (similar to military benefits), potentially fostering bipartisan support. It could set a precedent for expanding free access to other public service groups, though it avoids broader fiscal debates by not requiring new appropriations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-22: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-07-21: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-07-21: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-07-21: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3496)
- 2025-07-21: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3496)
- 2025-07-21: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 183.
- 2025-07-21: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3495-3497)
- 2025-07-21: Mr. Stauber moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-07-16: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 170.
- 2025-07-16: Committee on Agriculture discharged.
- 2025-07-16: Committee on Agriculture discharged.
- 2025-07-16: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-207, Part I.
- 2025-07-16: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-207, Part I.
- 2025-06-25: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-06-25: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Bill Versions
- Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act — issued 2025-07-21 — PDF (4 pages)
- Law Enforcement Officer Recreation Pass Act — issued 2025-01-03 — PDF (2 pages)
- Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act — issued 2025-07-22 — PDF (3 pages)
- Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act — issued 2025-07-16 — PDF (6 pages)