[Congressional Bills 118th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6342 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
118th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6342
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
_______________________________________________________________________
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. ACCESSIBLE TRAILS AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR MILITARY
SERVICEMEMBERS AND VETERANS.
(a) Accessible Recreation Inventory.--
(1) Assessment.--Not later than 5 years after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall--
(A) 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.), including--
(i) camp shelters, camping facilities, and
camping units;
(ii) boat launch ramps;
(iii) hunting, fishing, shooting, or
archery ranges or locations;
(iv) outdoor constructed features;
(v) picnic facilities and picnic units; and
(vi) any other outdoor recreation
facilities, as determined by the Secretary
concerned; and
(B) make information about such opportunities
available (including through the use of prominently
displayed links) on public websites of--
(i) each of the Federal land management
agencies; and
(ii) each relevant unit and subunit of the
Federal land management agencies.
(2) Inclusion of current assessments.--As part of the
comprehensive assessment required under paragraph (1)(A), to
the extent practicable, the Secretary concerned may rely on
assessments completed or data gathered prior to the date of
enactment of this Act.
(3) 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.)
at outdoor recreation facilities covered by the assessment
required under paragraph (1)(A).
(b) Trail Inventory.--
(1) Assessment.--Not later than 7 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall--
(A) conduct a comprehensive assessment of trails on
Federal recreational lands and waters under the
jurisdiction of the respective Secretary concerned,
including measuring each trail's--
(i) surface;
(ii) clear tread width;
(iii) passing spaces;
(iv) size;
(v) tread obstacles;
(vi) openings;
(vii) slopes, including cross slope;
(viii) maximum running slope and segment
length;
(ix) resting intervals;
(x) length;
(xi) width;
(xii) turning space;
(xiii) protruding objects; and
(xiv) trailhead signs; and
(B) make information about such trails available
(including through the use of prominently displayed
links) on public websites of--
(i) each of the Federal land management
agencies; and
(ii) each relevant unit and subunit of the
Federal land management agencies.
(2) Inclusion of current assessments.--As part of the
comprehensive assessment required under paragraph (1)(A), the
Secretary concerned may, to the extent practicable, rely on
assessments completed or data gathered prior to the date of
enactment of this Act.
(3) Public information.--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 webpage information,
related to such trails and consistent with the Architectural
Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.) at trails covered
by the assessment required under paragraph (1)(A).
(4) Prioritization.--The Secretary concerned shall consult
with stakeholders, including veterans organizations and
organizations with expertise or experience providing outdoor
recreation opportunities to individuals with disabilities, in
selecting priority trails to measure under paragraph (1)(A).
(5) Assistive equipment 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 equipment.
(c) Trail Pilot Program.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall carry out
a pilot program to enter into partnerships with eligible
entities to--
(A) measure trails as part of the assessment
required under subsection (b);
(B) develop accessible trails under subsection (d);
and
(C) make minor modifications to existing trails to
enhance recreational experiences for individuals with
disabilities using assistive technology--
(i) 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
(ii) in consultation with stakeholders,
including veterans organizations and
organizations with expertise or experience
providing outdoor recreation opportunities to
individuals with disabilities.
(2) Locations.--
(A) 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
subparagraph (1).
(B) Special rule of construction for the department
of the interior.--In selecting the locations of the
pilot programs, the Secretary of the Interior shall
ensure that at least one pilot program is carried out
in a unit managed by the--
(i) National Park Service;
(ii) Bureau of Land Management; and
(iii) United States Fish and Wildlife
Service.
(3) Sunset.--The pilot program established under this
subsection shall terminate on the date that is 7 years after
the date of enactment of this Act.
(d) Accessible Trails.--
(1) 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--
(A) on National Forest System lands in each region
of the Forest Service;
(B) on land managed by the National Park Service in
each region of the National Park Service;
(C) on land managed by the Bureau of Land
Management in each region of the Bureau of Land
Management; and
(D) on land managed by the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service in each region of the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service.
(2) Development.--In developing an accessible trail under
paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned--
(A) may--
(i) create a new accessible trail;
(ii) modify an existing trail into an
accessible trail; or
(iii) create an accessible trail from a
combination of new and existing trails; and
(B) shall--
(i) consult with stakeholders with respect
to the feasibility and resources necessary for
completing the accessible trail;
(ii) ensure the accessible trail complies
with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 (42
U.S.C. 4151 et seq.); and
(iii) to the extent practicable, ensure
that outdoor constructed features supporting
the accessible trail, including parking spaces
and restroom facilities, meet the requirements
of the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.
(3) 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 paragraph
(2)(B), shall complete each accessible trail developed under
paragraph (1).
(4) Maps, signage, and promotional materials.--For each
accessible trail developed under paragraph (1), the Secretary
concerned shall--
(A) publish and distribute maps and install
signage, consistent with Architectural Barriers Act
accessibility guidelines; and
(B) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any
non-Federal resources necessary for the development,
stewardship, completion, or promotion of the accessible
trail.
(5) Conflict avoidance with other uses.--In developing each
accessible trail under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned
shall ensure that the accessible trail--
(A) minimizes conflict with--
(i) the uses in effect before the date of
the enactment of this Act with respect to any
trail or road that is part of that accessible
trail;
(ii) 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
(iii) the purposes for which any trail is
established under the National Trails System
Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.); and
(B) complies with all applicable land use and
management plans of the Federal recreational lands and
waters on which the accessible trail is located.
(6) Reports.--
(A) Interim report.--Not later than 3 years after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
concerned, in partnership with stakeholders and other
interested organizations, shall prepare and publish an
interim report that lists the accessible trails
developed under this subsection during the previous 3
years.
(B) Final report.--Not later than 7 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
concerned, in partnership with stakeholders and other
interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a
final report that lists the accessible trails developed
under this subsection.
(e) Accessible Recreation Opportunities.--
(1) 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--
(A) on National Forest System lands in each region
of the Forest Service;
(B) on land managed by the National Park Service in
each region of the National Park Service;
(C) on land managed by the Bureau of Land
Management in each region of the Bureau of Land
Management; and
(D) on land managed by the United States Fish and
Wildlife Service in each region of the United States
Fish and Wildlife Service.
(2) Development.--In developing an accessible recreation
opportunity under paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned--
(A) may--
(i) create a new accessible recreation
opportunity; or
(ii) modify an existing recreation
opportunity into an accessible recreation
opportunity; and
(B) shall--
(i) consult with stakeholders with respect
to the feasibility and resources necessary for
completing the accessible recreation
opportunity;
(ii) ensure the accessible recreation
opportunity complies with the Architectural
Barriers Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.);
and
(iii) to the extent practicable, ensure
that outdoor constructed features supporting
the accessible recreation opportunity,
including parking spaces and restroom
facilities, meet the requirements of the
Architectural Barriers Act of 1968.
(3) Accessible recreation opportunities.--The accessible
recreation opportunities developed under paragraph (1) may
include improving accessibility or access to--
(A) camp shelters, camping facilities, and camping
units;
(B) hunting, fishing, shooting, or archery ranges
or locations;
(C) snow activities, including skiing and
snowboarding;
(D) water activities, including kayaking, paddling,
canoeing, and boat launch ramps;
(E) rock climbing;
(F) biking;
(G) off-highway vehicle recreation;
(H) picnic facilities and picnic units;
(I) outdoor constructed features; and
(J) any other new or existing recreation
opportunities identified in consultation with
stakeholders under paragraph (2)(B) and consistent with
the applicable land management plan.
(4) 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 paragraph
(2), shall complete each accessible recreation opportunity
developed under paragraph (1).
(5) Maps, signage, and promotional materials.--For each
accessible recreation opportunity developed under paragraph
(1), the Secretary concerned shall--
(A) publish and distribute maps and install
signage, consistent with Architectural Barriers Act
accessibility guidelines; and
(B) coordinate with stakeholders to leverage any
non-Federal resources necessary for the development,
stewardship, completion, or promotion of the accessible
trail.
(6) Conflict avoidance with other uses.--In developing each
accessible recreation opportunity under paragraph (1), the
Secretary concerned shall ensure that the accessible recreation
opportunity--
(A) minimizes conflict with--
(i) 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
(ii) multiple-use areas in existence on the
date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B) complies with all applicable land use and
management plans of the Federal recreational lands and
waters on which the accessible recreational opportunity
is located.
(7) Reports.--
(A) Interim report.--Not later than 3 years after
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
concerned, in partnership with stakeholders and other
interested organizations, shall prepare and publish an
interim report that lists the accessible trails
developed under this subsection during the previous 3
years.
(B) Final report.--Not later than 7 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
concerned, in partnership with stakeholders and other
interested organizations, shall prepare and publish a
final report that lists the accessible trails developed
under this subsection.
(f) Assistive Technology.--In carrying out this section, 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.
(g) Savings Clause.--Nothing in the Act shall be construed to
create any conflicting standards with the Architectural Barriers Act of
1968 (42 U.S.C. 4151 et seq.).
SEC. 3. PROMOTION OF OUTDOOR RECREATION FOR MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS
AND VETERANS.
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 Transition Assistance
Program classes, 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);
(2) the availability and location of accessible trails,
including new accessible trails developed and completed under
section 2(a);
(3) the availability and location of accessible recreation
opportunities, including new accessible recreation
opportunities developed and completed under section 2(b);
(4) assistive technology assistance pursuant to section
1151(c) of title 38, United States Code;
(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. 4. MILITARY VETERANS OUTDOOR RECREATION LIAISONS.
(a) In General.--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 Act;
(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. 5. 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. 6. 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 (B); 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 shall update the strategy and
make public the update.
SEC. 7. RECREATION RESOURCE ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
Section 804(d)(5) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act
(16 U.S.C. 6803(d)(5)), is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``11'' and inserting
``12''; and
(2) in subparagraph (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 9 of
the Military and Veterans in Parks
Act.''.
SEC. 8. CAREER AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS.
(a) Veteran Hiring.--The Secretary concerned is 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 of the Interior, 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 of the Interior 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 of
the Interior 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 of the Interior
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) is
completed, the Secretary of the Interior 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 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.
SEC. 9. 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 agencies.--The term ``Federal
land management agencies'' means the National Park Service, the
Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife
Service, and the Forest Service.
(5) Federal recreational lands and waters.--The term
``Federal recreational lands and waters'' has the meaning given
the term ``Federal recreational lands and waters'' in section
802(5) of the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16
U.S.C. 6801(5)).
(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 the
Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture.
(9) Secretary concerned.--The term ``Secretary concerned''
means--
(A) the Secretary of the Interior, with respect to
lands under the jurisdiction of the Secretary; and
(B) the Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to
National Forest System lands.
(10) 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.
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