4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Jul 21, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes between v3 and v4 reflect the bill's procedural movement from the House to the Senate, including updated legislative status and the addition of the House Clerk's name. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill text.

H.R. 183119th CongressIntroduced Jan 3, 2025

Law Enforcement Officer and Firefighter Recreation Pass Act

Passed HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Jul 21, 2026

Bottom line

This bill expands free national park and federal recreational lands pass eligibility to include law enforcement officers and firefighters, recognizing their public service.

What it actually does

This bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to expand eligibility for the free annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. It specifically makes these passes available at no cost to law enforcement officers and firefighters, in addition to the existing provision for members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. The bill also provides clear definitions for 'firefighter' and 'law enforcement officer' for the purposes of this benefit.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this bill is a meaningful way to honor the service and sacrifices of law enforcement officers and firefighters, providing them and their families with access to national treasures for recreation and mental well-being. They contend it aligns with similar benefits already extended to military personnel, acknowledging the demanding and often dangerous nature of these professions.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that while the intent is commendable, expanding free pass eligibility could lead to a minor reduction in revenue for federal land management agencies, potentially impacting their budgets for park maintenance and operations. They may also raise questions about the equity of providing this specific benefit to these groups over other essential public servants.

The bill is exceptionally short and uses clear, direct language, making it very accessible for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.

Section 2, amending Section 805(b) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6804(b))

Expansion of Free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Eligibility

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision modifies existing law to allow federal, state, local, and Indian Tribe law enforcement officers and firefighters to receive a free annual National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Previously, this benefit was primarily available to members of the Armed Forces and their dependents. The bill also explicitly defines 'firefighter' as any employee of federal, state, local, or Indian Tribe government who performs work directly related to suppressing fires, and 'law enforcement officer' as any officer, agent, or employee of these same government levels authorized to engage in or supervise the prevention, detection, or investigation of criminal law violations or supervise sentenced criminal offenders.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupLaw enforcement officers (federal, state, local, Indian Tribe)ImpactPositive, gain free access to federal recreational lands and parks.MechanismAmendment to 16 U.S.C. 6804(b) granting eligibility for a no-cost annual pass.ScaleNational, applies to all eligible officers across the specified government levels.

GroupFirefighters (federal, state, local, Indian Tribe)ImpactPositive, gain free access to federal recreational lands and parks.MechanismAmendment to 16 U.S.C. 6804(b) granting eligibility for a no-cost annual pass.ScaleNational, applies to all eligible firefighters across the specified government levels.

GroupFederal land management agencies (e.g., National Park Service, Forest Service)ImpactMinor negative, potential reduction in revenue from pass sales.MechanismReduction in the number of paid annual passes sold as eligible individuals receive them for free.ScaleNational, affecting agencies participating in the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass program.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision appropriately recognizes the service and sacrifices of law enforcement officers and firefighters, offering them a tangible benefit that promotes recreation and wellness in national parks and federal lands. They contend it extends a similar courtesy already afforded to military personnel, acknowledging the unique demands of these public service roles.

Critics contend

Critics might contend that while the gesture is well-intentioned, expanding free passes could lead to a slight decrease in revenue for federal land management agencies, potentially impacting their ability to maintain and improve facilities without alternative funding. They may also question the fairness of extending this benefit to these specific groups while other public servants or essential workers do not receive similar recognition.

Tradeoffs

This provision balances the desire to honor specific public service professions with the potential for minor revenue impacts on federal land management agencies. It also implicitly raises questions about the criteria for granting such federal benefits and whether similar recognition should be extended to other groups.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.