Prohibit Partisan Park Passes Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 20, 2026
Bottom line
The 'Prohibit Partisan Park Passes Act' seeks to prevent the politicization of national park passes by banning images of living political figures on them.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to explicitly prohibit the use of images of any living current or former elected official or other living political figure on the 'America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass'. It aims to ensure that these federal passes remain free from partisan imagery.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is essential to maintain the non-partisan nature of national parks and federal recreational lands, ensuring that symbols associated with these public assets reflect the nation's natural beauty and heritage rather than individual political figures. They believe it prevents potential controversies and preserves the apolitical spirit of these cherished spaces.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that this bill addresses a largely hypothetical problem, as there is no widespread history of living political figures being featured on these passes. Some may argue it is an overly prescriptive measure for a minor issue, potentially limiting future artistic or commemorative choices for pass designs without addressing more substantive policy concerns.
This bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very quick to read and understand fully.
Section 2
Restriction on Use of Images for Recreational Lands Pass
This provision amends Section 805(a)(2) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. It adds a new clause stating that the 'America the Beautiful—the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass' may not include the image of any living current or former elected official or any other living political figure. This directly prohibits the use of such imagery on the federal lands pass.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that this specific restriction is crucial for maintaining the integrity and non-partisan appeal of national park passes. They believe it prevents the potential for political endorsement or controversy associated with featuring living politicians on a widely distributed federal product, ensuring the focus remains on the natural and cultural heritage these passes represent.
Critics contend
Opponents might argue that this provision is an unnecessary legislative intervention for a problem that has not demonstrably occurred. They could suggest that it is overly cautious and potentially limits future creative or commemorative design options, even if such options are unlikely to be controversial.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire to safeguard federal symbols from political association with the potential for perceived overreach in dictating design elements. It prioritizes a non-partisan aesthetic over broader flexibility in imagery.