This bill allows free admission to national parks and certain public recreation sites on September 17, 2026, to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. It encourages people to enjoy these natural spaces without the cost of entry fees.
Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act or the STARS Act This bill directs the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service to designate September 17, 2026, as an entrance-fee free date in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. On that date, Interior must waive (1) the entrance fees for all visitors of National Park Service sites; and (2) the standard amenity recreation fees for all visitors to each site managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the Bureau of Reclamation. The Forest Service must waive the standard amenity recreation fees on that date for all visitors to sites it manages.
1. The bill designates September 17, 2026, as a free entrance day for national parks. 2. Visitors will not have to pay entrance fees at National Park Service sites on this day. 3. Standard amenity recreation fees will also be waived at certain public recreation sites. 4. This celebration marks the 250th anniversary of the United States. 5. The bill affects sites managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service.
Families and individuals who want to visit national parks and public recreation sites.