PARC Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Lummis, Cynthia M. [R-WY]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 13, 2025
Bottom line
This bill mandates that National Park System units accept cash for entrance fees, ensuring access for individuals who may not have or prefer not to use electronic payment methods.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to mandate that all units of the National Park System that charge an entrance fee must accept cash as a form of payment. It directly addresses the trend of some parks moving towards cashless payment systems, ensuring that cash remains a viable option for visitors.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill protects equitable access to national parks for all Americans, including those who are unbanked, prefer cash, or face technological barriers, ensuring that a lack of electronic payment options does not exclude visitors from public lands.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that mandating cash acceptance increases administrative costs, security risks, and operational inefficiencies for park units, especially those that have streamlined operations with cashless systems, potentially diverting resources from park maintenance or visitor services.
The bill text is extremely short and can be read in under a minute, making it highly accessible for public review.
Section 2
Acceptance of Cash Payments for Entrance Fees
This section amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act by adding a new paragraph (3) to section 803(e). This new paragraph explicitly requires that any unit of the National Park System that charges an entrance fee must accept cash as a valid form of payment for that fee. This provision prevents parks from implementing cashless-only payment policies for entrance fees.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for ensuring that national parks remain accessible to all segments of the population, including the elderly, low-income individuals, and those in rural areas who may not have bank accounts or access to credit/debit cards, upholding the principle of public access to public lands.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that this provision could increase operational burdens and security risks for park staff who must handle, transport, and secure cash, potentially diverting resources from other essential park services or maintenance, and could slow down entry processes at busy gates.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the goal of universal access for all payment preferences against potential operational efficiencies, reduced security risks, and streamlined transaction processes that cashless systems might offer to park management.