STARS Act

Bill Number: H.R. 4285
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-12-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 4285: Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act (STARS Act)

Purpose

This legislation aims to honor the 250th anniversary (semiquincentennial) of the United States by providing free access to certain federal public lands and recreational sites on a specific date in 2026. It promotes tourism and public enjoyment of natural and historical areas as part of national celebrations.

Key Provisions

Fee Waivers on September 17, 2026:
The Secretary of the Interior must designate this date as entrance-fee free for all National Park Service (NPS) sites that normally charge an entrance fee (defined as a fee for basic access to a site under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act).
The Secretary of the Interior must also waive standard amenity recreation fees (fees for using developed facilities like campgrounds or boat launches) at sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), or Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) that normally charge such fees.
The Secretary of Agriculture must waive standard amenity recreation fees at Forest Service sites that normally charge them.
Scope: Applies to all visitors on that single day, covering a wide range of federal recreational lands.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This act introduces a one-time, mandatory fee waiver tied to the 250th anniversary, building on the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (which allows for occasional fee-free days but does not require them for specific events).
It does not alter permanent fee structures but adds a targeted exception for September 17, 2026, expanding fee waivers across multiple agencies beyond just NPS.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: Temporary loss of entrance and recreation fee revenue (which funds site maintenance and operations), but could increase public engagement and awareness of federal lands. Agencies like NPS, BLM, USFWS, BOR, and Forest Service may need to prepare for higher visitor numbers, potentially straining resources on that day.
On Citizens: Free access encourages more Americans (and possibly international visitors) to visit parks and recreational sites, boosting family outings, education about U.S. history, and outdoor recreation without financial barriers.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could enhance the U.S. image as a welcoming nation during its anniversary celebrations, indirectly supporting tourism from abroad.
Overall, it may lead to a short-term surge in visitation, promoting health benefits from outdoor activities while tying into broader semiquincentennial events.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Agencies: Department of the Interior (NPS, BLM, USFWS, BOR) and Department of Agriculture (Forest Service), responsible for implementing waivers and managing sites.
Citizens and Visitors: General public, families, tourists, and recreational users who benefit from free entry, particularly those who might otherwise be deterred by fees.
Tourism and Local Economies: Businesses near federal sites (e.g., hotels, guides) that could see increased activity from higher attendance.
Environmental and Conservation Groups: Potentially affected by crowd management needs to protect natural resources.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Relies on existing authority under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act for fee management, with no new regulatory burdens; enforcement is straightforward as a one-day directive.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to manage federal lands (Article IV, Section 3) and promote general welfare, without raising free speech, privacy, or due process concerns.
Political: Symbolizes national unity and patriotism during the 250th anniversary, potentially fostering bipartisan support for public lands access. It highlights ongoing debates about balancing fee revenues with public accessibility, but as a temporary measure, it avoids long-term fiscal controversies.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2]

Recent Actions

2025-12-10: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
2025-12-09: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-12-09: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5074)
2025-12-09: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5074)
2025-12-09: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4285.
2025-12-09: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5074-5075)
2025-12-09: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2025-09-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 250.
2025-09-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-294.
2025-09-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-294.
2025-07-23: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
2025-07-23: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-07-23: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
2025-07-16: Subcommittee Hearings Held
2025-07-09: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

Bill Versions

Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act — issued 2025-12-09 — PDF (4 pages)
Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act — issued 2025-07-02 — PDF (2 pages)
Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act — issued 2025-12-10 — PDF (3 pages)
Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (6 pages)