4 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REFERRED IN SENATEcompared with ENGROSSED IN HOUSE (Mar 3, 2026)

Technical and procedural changes only. The later version, v4, reflects the bill's referral to the Senate and includes the name of the House Clerk in the attestation, which was generic in v3. There are no substantive policy changes to the text of the bill itself.

H.R. 4386119th CongressIntroduced Jul 14, 2025

America the Beautiful Motorcycle Fairness Act

Passed HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Walberg, Tim [R-MI-5]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Mar 4, 2026

Bottom line

The bill clarifies and expands the America the Beautiful Pass benefits for motorcyclists, allowing a single pass to cover two motorcycles when traveling together, promoting fairness in access fees.

What it actually does

This bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to clarify the usage of the America the Beautiful interagency pass for motorcyclists. Specifically, it mandates that when a passholder enters federal recreational lands by motorcycle on a per-vehicle fee basis, the pass will cover both the passholder and any passengers on their motorcycle, as well as one additional accompanying motorcycle and its passengers. This change aims to provide equitable fee coverage for motorcyclists compared to standard private vehicles.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this bill rectifies an existing inequity where a single America the Beautiful Pass covers all occupants of a car but only one motorcycle, despite many motorcyclists often traveling in pairs or small groups. They contend it promotes fairness, encourages motorcycle tourism in national parks and federal lands, and aligns the benefits for motorcyclists with those provided to other vehicle users.

Opponents contend

Critics might express concerns that expanding pass coverage to two motorcycles per pass could lead to a minor reduction in fee revenue for federal land management agencies, potentially impacting their budgets for maintenance and operations. Some may also raise questions about the administrative clarity and enforcement challenges of verifying an 'accompanying' motorcycle at entrance stations.

The bill is exceptionally short and clearly written, making it very accessible for a quick and thorough understanding.

Section 2(2)(B)

Expanded America the Beautiful Pass Coverage for Motorcyclists

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to specify how the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (commonly known as the America the Beautiful Pass) applies to motorcyclists. When a passholder enters federal recreational lands and waters by motorcycle on a per-vehicle fee basis, the pass will now cover the entrance fee and standard amenity recreation fee for the passholder and any passengers on their motorcycle, AND for one additional motorcycle, including its passengers, that is accompanying the passholder. This effectively allows two motorcycles to enter under a single pass, mirroring the existing coverage for a single private, noncommercial vehicle with multiple occupants.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupMotorcyclists who use America the Beautiful PassesImpactFinancial benefit through reduced fees (one pass covers two motorcycles instead of one), increased equity in access.MechanismStatutory amendment to the rules governing interagency pass usage.ScaleAffects all motorcyclists traveling in pairs or groups to federal recreational lands nationwide.

GroupFederal land management agencies (e.g., National Park Service, Forest Service)ImpactPotential minor reduction in fee revenue, minor administrative adjustment for fee collection.MechanismChange in fee collection policy for a specific vehicle type.ScaleLikely negligible impact on overall agency budgets, but requires updated guidance for staff.

Supporters argue

Supporters contend that this provision addresses a long-standing disparity where a single pass covers all occupants of a car, but only one motorcycle, despite many motorcyclists traveling in pairs. They argue it promotes fairness and encourages motorcycle enthusiasts to visit federal lands without facing disproportionate fees, thereby enhancing access and enjoyment for a specific user group.

Critics contend

Opponents might express concern that this change could lead to a slight decrease in fee revenue for federal lands, which often rely on such funds for maintenance and operational costs. They might also raise questions about the practical enforcement of the 'accompanying' clause, potentially leading to minor administrative complexities at park entrances.

Tradeoffs

The provision balances the desire for equitable treatment and enhanced access for motorcyclists with the potential for a marginal reduction in fee revenue for federal land management agencies. It also involves a slight administrative adjustment for park staff in verifying accompanying vehicles.

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.