PARC Act

Bill Number: S. 1037
Origin Chamber: Senate
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2025-03-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Protecting Access to Recreation with Cash Act (PARC Act), S. 1037, aims to ensure that visitors to units of the National Park System can pay entrance fees using cash. It amends existing law to mandate cash acceptance, promoting broader access to public lands for those who may not have credit or debit cards.

Key Provisions

Cash Payment Requirement: The Secretary of the Interior must ensure that any National Park System unit charging an entrance fee accepts cash as a valid payment method.
Scope: This applies only to locations where entrance fees are already charged under the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
Short Title: The bill is officially titled the "Protecting Access to Recreation with Cash Act" or "PARC Act."

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amends Section 803(e) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6802(e)) by adding a new paragraph (3).
Previously, the law allowed for various payment methods but did not explicitly require cash acceptance, potentially leaving it optional or dependent on park policies. This change makes cash mandatory where fees are collected.

Potential Impacts

On Government Agencies: The National Park Service (under the Department of the Interior) may need to update payment systems, train staff, and handle cash more consistently, which could increase administrative and security costs for cash management but ensure compliance with federal recreation funding rules.
On Citizens: Improves accessibility for visitors without electronic payment options, such as low-income individuals, tourists from abroad, or those preferring cash for privacy reasons, potentially increasing park attendance and equitable use of public lands.
On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it could indirectly benefit international tourists by simplifying entry to U.S. parks.

Main Stakeholders Affected

National Park Service and Department of the Interior: Responsible for implementing and enforcing the cash acceptance requirement.
Park Visitors and the Public: Especially those relying on cash, including families, seniors, and underserved communities who might otherwise face barriers to entry.
Park Operators and Vendors: May need to adjust on-site payment processes to accommodate cash alongside other methods.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens enforcement of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act by clarifying payment options, reducing potential disputes over access denials. No major conflicts with existing statutes anticipated.
Constitutional: Aligns with equal protection principles by promoting non-discriminatory access to public resources, though it introduces no broad rights or liberties changes.
Political: Reflects bipartisan support (introduced by Senators from both parties) for practical improvements to public land management; could set a precedent for mandating inclusive payment methods in federal programs, emphasizing user-friendly policies without significant controversy.

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

Sponsor

Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]

Cosponsors (7)

Sen. Marshall, Roger [R-KS], Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID], Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. Justice, James C. [R-WV], Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]

Recent Actions

2025-03-13: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
2025-03-13: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

Protecting Access to Recreation with Cash Act — issued 2025-03-13 — PDF (2 pages)