4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Dec 9, 2025)

Technical corrections only. v4 adds the name of the House Clerk, Kevin F. McCumber, to the attestation and includes the procedural notation of the bill being received and referred in the Senate. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.

H.R. 4285119th CongressIntroduced Jul 2, 2025

STARS Act

Passed HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Maloy, Celeste [R-UT-2]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Dec 10, 2025

Bottom line

The bill establishes a single fee-free day on September 17, 2026, across various federal recreational lands to celebrate the nation's semiquincentennial, enhancing public access for that specific date.

What it actually does

This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to designate September 17, 2026, as an entrance-fee free date for National Park Service sites and to waive standard amenity recreation fees for sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Forest Service. This action is intended to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue this bill promotes national unity and civic engagement by making federal lands accessible to all Americans, regardless of income, on a significant historical anniversary. It encourages outdoor recreation and appreciation for natural and cultural heritage, fostering a sense of shared ownership and celebration for the country's 250th year.

Opponents contend

Critics might argue that waiving fees, even for a single day, represents a loss of revenue for federal agencies that rely on these funds for maintenance and operations, potentially impacting long-term site quality. They might also contend that a single fee-free day has a minimal impact on overall access and that more comprehensive solutions are needed to address recreation affordability.

The bill is extremely short and easy to read, allowing for quick comprehension of its provisions.

Section 2(a)

Waived Fees at Public Recreational Sites in Honor of America's 250th Anniversary

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section mandates that on September 17, 2026, all National Park Service sites that typically charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to all visitors. Additionally, standard amenity recreation fees will be waived for visitors to sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and the Forest Service. This measure is specifically designed to commemorate the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the United States of America.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupGeneral Public/Visitors to Federal LandsImpactIncreased access and financial benefit (no fees)MechanismDirect waiver of entrance and standard amenity recreation fees for one day.ScaleMillions of potential visitors nationwide.

GroupFederal Land Management Agencies (NPS, BLM, USFWS, BOR, Forest Service)ImpactTemporary revenue loss and potential increase in visitor numbers.MechanismFees are waived, reducing collected revenue for one day, which typically supports operations and maintenance.ScaleModerate, limited to a single day's revenue.

Supporters argue

Proponents argue that this provision democratizes access to America's natural and cultural treasures, allowing more citizens to participate in the semiquincentennial celebration by visiting national parks and other federal lands without financial barriers. It highlights the importance of public lands as a shared heritage and fosters national unity.

Critics contend

Opponents might argue that while well-intentioned, the revenue loss from a fee-free day, however small, could detract from critical maintenance and operational budgets for these sites, especially if not offset by other funding. They may also question the effectiveness of a single day waiver in significantly increasing access for those facing broader economic barriers.

Tradeoffs

The bill balances the desire to celebrate a national anniversary and promote public access with the potential, albeit minor, loss of revenue for federal land management agencies that rely on fees for operations and maintenance.

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.