What This Bill Does
This bill would amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act to give licensed foster families a free annual pass for access to federal recreation sites. The pass would apply to families who are officially licensed to foster children, reducing the cost of visiting national parks and other fee-based federal lands. It is designed to make outdoor recreation more affordable for foster households and to recognize the role these families play in caring for children. The main mechanism is a fee waiver through the existing federal recreation pass system.
- Free annual passes would be available to licensed foster families.
- The bill amends the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.
- The benefit applies to federal recreation sites that normally charge annual pass fees.
- The measure is being handled by the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Agriculture.
Who This Bill Affects
If you are a licensed foster family, this bill would directly reduce the cost of visiting federal recreation sites by providing a free annual pass instead of paying the usual fee. That could make it easier to take children to national parks and other public lands more often, especially for families who rely on low-cost outings. For everyone else, the bill would not change eligibility, but it could slightly reduce pass revenue used to support recreation facilities.
See how this bill affects you — sign in for a personalized analysisWho Supports & Opposes This
- Licensed foster parents A free annual pass lowers the cost of family outings and gives foster children more opportunities to enjoy public lands. It is a practical, easy-to-administer benefit that recognizes the added responsibilities foster families carry.
- Child welfare advocates Small, targeted supports can improve stability and quality of life for foster households. Access to outdoor recreation can help children build routine, reduce stress, and create positive family experiences.
- Public lands users Encouraging more families to visit federal recreation areas can strengthen public appreciation for parks and other lands. A pass benefit for foster families is a narrow way to expand access without changing the broader fee structure for everyone.
- Federal land managers Any fee exemption reduces revenue that helps maintain facilities, trails, and visitor services. Even a targeted waiver can add administrative complexity if agencies must verify eligibility and issue passes.
- Budget watchdogs The government should be cautious about creating new fee exemptions unless there is a clear offset or demonstrated need. They may argue that benefits should be delivered through child welfare programs rather than recreation fee policy.
- Some regular pass buyers People who pay full price may view the exemption as an uneven subsidy, especially if they do not receive comparable discounts. They may also worry that expanding free access categories can gradually erode the fee base.
Key Implications
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““provide for free annual passes to licensed foster families””
Licensed foster households would be able to obtain an annual recreation pass without paying the standard fee. That directly lowers the cost of repeated visits to federal lands and parks.
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““amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act””
The bill changes the existing federal framework that governs recreation fees and passes. That means the benefit would be built into a current nationwide system rather than created as a separate program.
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““licensed foster families””
Eligibility would be tied to formal foster licensing, not simply to anyone caring for a child. In practice, agencies would need a way to confirm that status before issuing the pass.
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““annual passes””
The benefit is recurring and lasts for a year, which matters for families that make multiple trips. It is more useful than a one-time entry waiver for households that use public lands regularly.
Latest Status
June 4, 2026
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.
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Ask AI about this billData sourced from api.congress.gov.