ROAM Act Recreation and Outdoor Access Membership Act
Impact
The implementation of the ROAM Act has the potential to significantly impact the way recreational access is managed at the federal and state levels. By creating a unified pass system, the bill seeks to enhance the recreational experiences for visitors by eliminating the confusion and inconvenience of separate entry fees or passes for different parks. Furthermore, it outlines the need for partnership agreements between federal and state agencies to outline revenue sharing, pricing, and the distribution of costs associated with the multi-entity passes.
Summary
House Bill 8603, titled the Recreation and Outdoor Access Membership Act (ROAM Act), aims to establish a pilot program that facilitates access to both federal and state parks via a multi-entity pass. This initiative is intended to simplify the process for individuals seeking to enjoy outdoor recreation by allowing entry into parks and outdoor recreation areas under the jurisdiction of various federal and state land management agencies. The pilot program is set to start no later than two years after the bill's enactment and will provide a pass valid for up to 12 months.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention surrounding HB 8603 is the requirement for the Secretary of the Interior to enter partnership agreements with state agencies, which necessitates that both parties consent to terms regarding revenue distribution and operational costs. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on how the revenue from these passes is shared, which could influence local economies reliant on park visitation. Additionally, there is a sunset provision placed on the authority to issue these passes, expiring four years after the first partnership agreement, raising questions about the permanence and sustainability of such an access program once initiated.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)