The STARS Act (Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act) would require the Secretary of the Interior to designate September 17, 2026, as a fee-free day at National Park System units and National Wildlife Refuge System units that charge entrance fees. It would also direct the Secretary of the Interior to waive standard amenity recreation fees on that date at Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation sites that charge those fees.
In addition, the bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture to waive standard amenity recreation fees on September 17, 2026, at Forest Service sites that charge such fees. The measure is tied to the 250th anniversary of the United States and is framed as a one-day national celebration intended to increase public access to federal recreation lands and sites.
Impact
The bill would temporarily override fee collection authorities for a single day across several federal land management agencies, including the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and Forest Service. It would not permanently change underlying fee statutes, but it would require agencies to forgo entrance and standard amenity recreation fees on September 17, 2026, at covered sites. The practical effect would be increased public access and reduced revenue from recreation fees for that date.
Sentiment
Based on the bill’s bipartisan sponsorship and the absence of recorded opposition in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears broadly positive and celebratory. The measure is presented as a commemorative access initiative for the nation’s semiquincentennial, suggesting support for public recreation access and tourism. No committee debate or vote record is provided, so there is no evidence here of formal controversy or divided sentiment.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided committee or vote materials. Potential areas of debate, if raised later, would likely involve the revenue impact on federal land agencies, administrative implementation across multiple departments, and whether a one-day fee waiver meaningfully advances the bill’s commemorative goals. However, the available record does not identify any named opponents or substantive objections.
A joint resolution requesting the Secretary of the Interior to authorize unique and one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the period beginning on December 31, 2025, and ending on January 5, 2026.
Requesting the Secretary of the Interior to authorize unique and one-time arrangements for displays on the National Mall and the Washington Monument during the period beginning on December 31, 2025, and ending on January 5, 2026.
Providing for the America250PA Semiquincentennial Celebration Bell monument on the grounds of the State Capitol to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania's integral role in that event and the impact of its people on the nation's past, present and future.
Providing for the America250PA Semiquincentennial Celebration Bell monument on the grounds of the State Capitol to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania's integral role in that event and the impact of its people on the nation's past, present and future.