Bill would waive federal park fees for one day in 2026
Passed one chamberH.R. 4285Latest action
Sponsor: Celeste Maloy · Representative · UT
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: STARS Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The STARS Act would make September 17, 2026, a fee-free day at national parks and other federal recreation lands.
35-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The STARS Act directs the Interior Secretary to make September 17, 2026, a fee-free day at all National Park Service sites that normally charge entrance fees. It also requires fee waivers that day at sites run by the Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service.
Who does it affect?
The change affects everyday visitors to federal recreation lands, local economies near parks, and the federal agencies that manage these sites.
Why does it matter?
Waiving fees for one day means agencies will forgo entrance and amenity revenue they normally use for maintenance and operations, while managing a potential surge in visitors.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Referred in Senate” text of Dec 10, 2025.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJul 2, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Dec 10, 2025
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.