H.R. 6342 Text - Reported in House - 118th Congress (2023-2024)

Union Calendar No. 744

118th CONGRESS
2d Session

H. R. 6342

[Report No. 118–911, Part I]

To promote and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for members of the Armed Forces and veterans on Federal recreational lands and waters.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

November 9, 2023

Mrs. Kiggans of Virginia (for herself and Mr. Peters) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, and Veterans' Affairs, 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

December 18, 2024

Additional sponsors: Mr. Ciscomani, Mr. Webster of Florida, Mr. Moylan, Ms. Lee of Florida, and Mr. Nickel

December 18, 2024

Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources with an amendment

[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic]

December 18, 2024

Committees on Agriculture and Veterans' Affairs discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on November 9, 2023]

A BILL

To promote and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for members of the Armed Forces and veterans on Federal recreational lands and waters.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. Short title.

This Act may be cited as the “Military and Veterans in Parks Act” or the “MVP Act”.

SEC. 2. Definitions.

In this Act:

(1) ACCESSIBLE TRAIL.—The term “accessible trail” means a trail that meets the requirements for a trail under the Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines.

(2) ARCHITECTURAL BARRIERS ACT ACCESSIBILITY GUIDELINES.—The term “Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines” means the accessibility guidelines set forth in appendices C and D to part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).

(3) ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY.—The term “assistive technology” means any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities, particularly with participating in outdoor recreation activities.

(4) FEDERAL LAND MANAGEMENT AGENCY.—The term “Federal land management agency” has the meaning given the term in section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801).

(5) FEDERAL RECREATIONAL LANDS AND WATERS.—The term “Federal recreational lands and waters” has the meaning given the term in section 802 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801).

(6) GOLD STAR FAMILY MEMBER.—The term “Gold Star Family member” means an individual described in section 3.3 of Department of Defense Instruction 1348.36.

(7) OUTDOOR CONSTRUCTED FEATURE.—The term “outdoor constructed feature” has the meaning given such term in appendix C to part 1191 of title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (or successor regulations).

(8) SECRETARIES.—The term “Secretaries” means each of—

(A) the Secretary; and

(B) the Secretary of Agriculture.

(9) SECRETARY.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of the Interior.

(10) SECRETARY CONCERNED.—The term “Secretary concerned” means—

(A) the Secretary, with respect to land under the jurisdiction of the Secretary; or

(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to land managed by the Forest Service.

(11) VETERANS ORGANIZATION.—The term “veterans organization” means a service provider with outdoor recreation experience that serves members of the Armed Forces, veterans, or Gold Star Family members.

TITLE I—Access for People with Disabilities
SEC. 101. Accessible recreation inventory.

(a) Assessment.—Not later than 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall—

(1) carry out a comprehensive assessment of outdoor recreation facilities on Federal recreational lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the respective Secretary concerned to determine the accessibility of such outdoor recreation facilities, consistent with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794), including—

(A) camp shelters, camping facilities, and camping units;

(B) boat launch ramps;

(C) hunting, fishing, shooting, or archery ranges or locations;

(D) outdoor constructed features;

(E) picnic facilities and picnic units; and

(F) any other outdoor recreation facilities, as determined by the Secretary concerned; and

(2) make information about such opportunities available (including through the use of prominently displayed links) on public websites of—

(A) each of the Federal land management agencies; and

(B) each relevant unit and subunit of the Federal land management agencies.

(b) Inclusion of current assessments.—As part of the comprehensive assessment required under subsection (a)(1), to the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned may rely on assessments completed or data gathered prior to the date of the enactment of this Act.

(c) Public information.—Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall identify opportunities to create, update, or replace signage and other publicly available information, including web page information, related to accessibility and consistent with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794) at outdoor recreation facilities covered by the assessment required under subsection (a)(1).
SEC. 102. Trail inventory.

(a) Assessment.—Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall—

(1) conduct a comprehensive assessment of high-priority trails, in accordance with subsection (b), on Federal recreational lands and waters under the jurisdiction of the respective Secretary concerned, including measuring each trail’s—

(A) average and minimum tread width;

(B) average and maximum running slope;

(C) average and maximum cross slope;

(D) tread type; and

(E) length; and

(2) make information about such high-priority trails available (including through the use of prominently displayed links) on public websites of—

(A) each of the Federal land management agencies; and

(B) each relevant unit and subunit of the Federal land management agencies.

(b) Selection.—The Secretary concerned shall select high-priority trails to be assessed under subsection (a)(1)—

(1) in consultation with stakeholders, including veterans organizations and organizations with expertise or experience providing outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities;

(2) in a geographically equitable manner; and

(3) in no fewer than 15 units or subunits managed by the Secretary concerned.

(c) Inclusion of current assessments.—As part of the assessment required under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary concerned may, to the extent practicable, rely on assessments completed or data gathered prior to the date of the enactment of this Act.

(d) Public information.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall identify opportunities to replace signage and other publicly available information, including web page information, related to such high-priority trails and consistent with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794) at high-priority trails covered by the assessment required under subsection (a)(1).

(2) TREAD OBSTACLES.—As part of the assessment required under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary may, to the extent practicable, include photographs or descriptions of tread obstacles and barriers.

(e) Assistive technology specification.—In publishing information about each trail under this subsection, the Secretary concerned shall make public information about trails that do not meet the Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines but could otherwise provide outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities through the use of certain assistive technology.
SEC. 103. Trail pilot program.

(a) In general.—Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall carry out a pilot program to enter into partnerships with eligible entities to—

(1) measure high-priority trails as part of the assessment required under section 102;

(2) develop accessible trails under section 104; and

(3) make minor modifications to existing trails to enhance recreational experiences for individuals with disabilities using assistive technology—

(A) in compliance with all applicable land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible trail is located; and

(B) in consultation with stakeholders, including veterans organizations and organizations with expertise or experience providing outdoor recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities.

(b) Locations.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary concerned shall select no fewer than 5 units or subunits under the jurisdiction of the respective Secretary concerned to carry out the pilot program established under subsection (a).

(2) SPECIAL RULE OF CONSTRUCTION FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR.—In selecting the locations of the pilot program, the Secretary shall ensure that the pilot program is carried out in at least one unit managed by the—

(A) National Park Service;

(B) Bureau of Land Management; and

(C) United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

(c) Sunset.—The pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 104. Accessible trails.

(a) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall select a location or locations to develop at least 3 new accessible trails—

(1) on National Forest System lands in each region of the Forest Service;

(2) on land managed by the National Park Service in each region of the National Park Service;

(3) on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in each region of the Bureau of Land Management; and

(4) on land managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in each region of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

(b) Development.—In developing an accessible trail under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned—

(1) may—

(A) create a new accessible trail;

(B) modify an existing trail into an accessible trail; or

(C) create an accessible trail from a combination of new and existing trails; and

(2) shall—

(A) consult with stakeholders with respect to the feasibility and resources necessary for completing the accessible trail;

(B) ensure the accessible trail complies with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794); and

(C) to the extent practicable, ensure that outdoor constructed features supporting the accessible trail, including trail bridges, parking spaces, and restroom facilities, meet the requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794).

(c) Completion.—Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in coordination with stakeholders described under subsection (b)(2), shall complete each accessible trail developed under subsection (a).

(d) Maps, signage, and promotional materials.—For each accessible trail developed under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall—

(1) publish and distribute maps and install signage, consistent with Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 accessibility guidelines and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d); and

(2) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-Federal resources necessary for the development, stewardship, completion, or promotion of the accessible trail.

(e) Conflict avoidance with other uses.—In developing each accessible trail under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall ensure that the accessible trail—

(1) minimizes conflict with—

(A) the uses in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to any trail that is part of that accessible trail;

(B) multiple-use areas where biking, hiking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle recreation, or use by pack and saddle stock are existing uses on the date of the enactment of this Act; or

(C) the purposes for which any trail is established under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.); and

(2) complies with all applicable land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible trail is located.

(f) Reports.—

(1) INTERIM REPORT.—Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in coordination with stakeholders and other interested organizations, shall prepare and publish an interim report that lists the accessible trails developed under this section during the previous 3 years.

(2) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in coordination with stakeholders and other interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a final report that lists the accessible trails developed under this section.
SEC. 105. Accessible recreation opportunities.

(a) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall select a location to develop at least 2 new accessible recreation opportunities—

(1) on National Forest System lands in each region of the Forest Service;

(2) on land managed by the National Park Service in each region of the National Park Service;

(3) on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management in each region of the Bureau of Land Management; and

(4) on land managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in each region of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

(b) Development.—In developing an accessible recreation opportunity under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned—

(1) may—

(A) create a new accessible recreation opportunity; or

(B) modify an existing recreation opportunity into an accessible recreation opportunity; and

(2) shall—

(A) consult with stakeholders with respect to the feasibility and resources necessary for completing the accessible recreation opportunity;

(B) ensure the accessible recreation opportunity complies with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794); and

(C) to the extent practicable, ensure that outdoor constructed features supporting the accessible recreation opportunity, including trail bridges, parking spaces and restroom facilities, meet the requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794).

(c) Accessible recreation opportunities.—The accessible recreation opportunities developed under subsection (a) may include improving accessibility or access to—

(1) camp shelters, camping facilities, and camping units;

(2) hunting, fishing, shooting, or archery ranges or locations;

(3) snow activities, including skiing and snowboarding;

(4) water activities, including kayaking, paddling, canoeing, and boat launch ramps;

(5) rock climbing;

(6) biking;

(7) off-highway vehicle recreation;

(8) picnic facilities and picnic units;

(9) outdoor constructed features; and

(10) any other new or existing recreation opportunities identified in consultation with stakeholders under subsection (b)(2) and consistent with the applicable land management plan.

(d) Completion.—Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in coordination with stakeholders consulted with under subsection (b)(2), shall complete each accessible recreation opportunity developed under subsection (a).

(e) Maps, signage, and promotional materials.—For each accessible recreation opportunity developed under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall—

(1) publish and distribute maps and install signage, consistent with Architectural Barriers Act accessibility guidelines and section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d); and

(2) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any non-Federal resources necessary for the development, stewardship, completion, or promotion of the accessible trail.

(f) Conflict avoidance with other uses.—In developing each accessible recreation opportunity under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall ensure that the accessible recreation opportunity—

(1) minimizes conflict with—

(A) the uses in effect before the date of the enactment of this Act with respect to any Federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible recreation opportunity is located; or

(B) multiple-use areas in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act; and

(2) complies with all applicable land use and management plans of the Federal recreational lands and waters on which the accessible recreational opportunity is located.

(g) Reports.—

(1) INTERIM REPORT.—Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in coordination with stakeholders and other interested organizations, shall prepare and publish an interim report that lists the accessible recreation opportunities developed under this section during the previous 3 years.

(2) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 7 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in coordination with stakeholders and other interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a final report that lists the accessible recreation opportunities developed under this section.
SEC. 106. Assistive technology.
In carrying out this title, the Secretary concerned may enter into partnerships, contracts, or agreements with other Federal, State, Tribal, local, or private entities, including existing outfitting and guiding services, to make assistive technology available on Federal recreational lands and waters.
SEC. 107. Savings clause.
Nothing in the title shall be construed to create any conflicting standards with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) and section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794).

TITLE II—Military and Veterans in Parks
SEC. 201. Promotion of outdoor recreation for military servicemembers and veterans.
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and the Secretary of Defense, shall develop educational and public awareness materials to disseminate to members of the Armed Forces and veterans, including through preseparation counseling of the Transition Assistance Program under chapter 1142 of title 10, United States Code, on—

(1) opportunities for members of the Armed Forces and veterans to access Federal recreational lands and waters free of charge under section 805 of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6804), including by prominently displaying signage, to the extent practicable, at Federal recreational lands and waters managed by the National Park Service;

(2) the availability and location of accessible trails, including new accessible trails developed and completed under section 104;

(3) the availability and location of accessible recreation opportunities, including new accessible recreation opportunities developed and completed under section 105;

(4) access to, and assistance with, assistive technology;

(5) outdoor-related volunteer and wellness programs;

(6) the benefits of outdoor recreation for physical and mental health;

(7) resources to access guided outdoor trips and other outdoor programs connected to the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of the Interior, or the Department of Agriculture; and

(8) programs and jobs focused on continuing national service such as Public Land Corps, AmeriCorps, and conservation corps programs.
SEC. 202. Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation Liaisons.

(a) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall each establish within their Departments the position of Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation Liaison.

(b) Duties.—The Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation Liaison shall—

(1) coordinate the implementation of this title;

(2) implement recommendations identified by the Task Force on Outdoor Recreation for Veterans established under section 203 of the Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–214), including recommendations related to—

(A) identifying new opportunities to formalize coordination between the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Interior, and partner organizations regarding the use of Federal recreational lands and waters for facilitating health and wellness for veterans;

(B) addressing identified barriers that exist to providing veterans with opportunities to augment the delivery of services for health and wellness through the use of outdoor recreation on Federal recreational lands and waters; and

(C) facilitating the use of Federal recreational lands and waters for promoting wellness and facilitating the delivery of health care and therapeutic interventions for veterans;

(3) coordinate with Military Veterans Outdoor Recreation Liaisons at other Federal agencies and veterans organizations; and

(4) promote outdoor recreation experiences for veterans on Federal recreational lands and waters through new and innovative approaches.
SEC. 203. Partnerships to promote military and veteran recreation.

(a) In general.—The Secretary concerned shall seek to enter into partnerships or agreements with State, Tribal, local, or private entities with expertise in outdoor recreation, volunteer, accessibility, and health and wellness programs for members of the Armed Forces or veterans.

(b) Partnerships.—As part of a partnership or agreement entered into under subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may host events on Federal recreational lands and waters designed to promote outdoor recreation among members of the Armed Forces and veterans.

(c) Financial and technical assistance.—Under a partnership or agreement entered into pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may provide financial or technical assistance to the entity with which the respective Secretary concerned has entered into the partnership or agreement to assist with—

(1) the planning, development, and execution of events, activities, or programs designed to promote outdoor recreation for members of the Armed Forces or veterans; or

(2) the acquisition of assistive technology to facilitate improved outdoor recreation opportunities for members of the Armed Forces or veterans.
SEC. 204. National strategy for military and veteran recreation.

(a) Strategy.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries, acting jointly, shall develop and make public a strategy to increase visits to Federal recreational lands and waters by members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and Gold Star Family members.

(b) Requirements.—A strategy developed under subsection (a)—

(1) shall—

(A) establish objectives and quantifiable targets for increasing visits to Federal recreational lands and waters by members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and Gold Star Family members;

(B) include an opportunity for public notice and comment;

(C) emphasize increased recreation opportunities on Federal recreational lands and waters for members of the Armed Forces, veterans, and Gold Star Family members; and

(D) provide the anticipated costs to achieve the objectives and meet the targets established under subparagraph (A); and

(2) shall not establish any preference between similar recreation facilitated by noncommercial or commercial entities.

(c) Update to strategy.—Not later than 5 years after the date of the publication of the strategy required under subsection (a), and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretaries, acting jointly, shall update the strategy and make public the update.
SEC. 205. Recreation resource advisory committees.
Section 804(d) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6803(d)), is amended—

(1) in paragraph (5)(A), by striking “11” and inserting “12”; and

(2) in paragraph (5)(D)(ii)—

(A) by striking “Three” and inserting “Four”; and

(B) after subclause (III), by inserting the following:

“(IV) Veterans organizations, as such term is defined in section 201 of the MVP Act.”; and

(3) in paragraph (8) by striking “Eight” and inserting “Six”.
SEC. 206. Career and volunteer opportunities for veterans.

(a) Veteran hiring.—The Secretaries are strongly encouraged to hire veterans in all positions related to the management of Federal recreational lands and waters.

(b) Pilot program.—

(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a pilot program under which veterans are employed by the Federal Government in positions that relate to the conservation and resource management activities of the Department of the Interior.

(2) POSITIONS.—The Secretary shall—

(A) identify vacant positions in the Department of the Interior that are appropriate to fill using the pilot program; and

(B) to the extent practicable, fill such positions using the pilot program.

(3) APPLICATION OF CIVIL SERVICE LAWS.—A veteran employed under the pilot program shall be treated as an employee as defined by section 2105 of title 5, United States Code.

(4) BRIEFINGS AND REPORT.—

(A) INITIAL BRIEFING.—Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training shall jointly provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the pilot program under this subsection, which shall include—

(i) a description of how the pilot program will be carried out in a manner to reduce the unemployment of veterans; and

(ii) any recommendations for legislative actions to improve the pilot program.

(B) IMPLEMENTATION BRIEFING.—Not later than 1 year after the date on which the pilot program under subsection (a) commences, the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training shall jointly provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the implementation of the pilot program.

(C) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 30 days after the date on which the pilot program under subsection (a) terminates under paragraph (5), the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the pilot program that includes the following:

(i) The number of veterans who applied to participate in the pilot program.

(ii) The number of such veterans employed under the pilot program.

(iii) The number of veterans identified in clause (ii) who transitioned to full-time positions with the Federal Government after participating in the pilot program.

(iv) Any other information the Secretary and the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans’ Employment and Training determine appropriate with respect to measuring the effectiveness of the pilot program.

(5) DURATION.—The authority to carry out the pilot program under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is 2 years after the date on which the pilot program commences.

(c) Appropriate congressional committees defined.—In this section, the term “appropriate congressional committees” means—

(1) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives; and

(2) the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources of the Senate.

(d) Outdoor recreation program attendance.—Each Secretary of a military department is encouraged to allow members of the Armed Forces on active duty status to participate in programs related to environmental stewardship or guided outdoor recreation.

Union Calendar No. 744

118th CONGRESS
2d Session

H. R. 6342

[Report No. 118–911, Part I]

A BILL

To promote and enhance outdoor recreation opportunities for members of the Armed Forces and veterans on Federal recreational lands and waters.

December 18, 2024

Reported from the Committee on Natural Resources with an amendment

December 18, 2024

Committees on Agriculture and Veterans' Affairs discharged; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed