Protecting America’s Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists (PATRIOT) Parks Act
National Park Fees: Extra Charges for International Tourists
This bill was recently introduced and is currently being reviewed by the House Committees on Natural Resources and Agriculture. It is in the early stages of the legislative process and has no upcoming votes scheduled. The bill is considered active as it waits for committee members to study it.
Legislative Progress
While the bill offers a way to fund parks without taxing citizens, it currently lacks bipartisan cosponsors and most bills of this type struggle to move past the committee stage.
Key Points
- This bill would allow National Parks to charge extra fees to visitors who are not from the United States. These surcharges would apply to international tourists visiting on temporary visas or through the visa waiver program.
- Each park leader would decide the amount of the extra fee for their specific location. The goal is to set a price that brings in the most money possible for the park without discouraging international travelers from visiting.
- The money collected from these surcharges would stay at the park where it was paid. The funds would be used to pay for building repairs, visitor services, hiring staff, and other daily needs to keep the park running.
- International visitors who buy a yearly National Parks pass would also have to pay an extra fee. This money would go into a national fund dedicated to fixing old infrastructure and trails across all federal lands.
- A few places would be exempt from these extra charges. There would be no surcharge for visiting the Washington Monument, and certain parks shared with neighboring countries would have special rules for citizens of those countries.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Protecting America’s Treasures by Raising Inflow from Overseas Tourists (PATRIOT) Parks Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(2)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.