S.1037 - Protecting Access to Recreation with Cash Act; PARC Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The PARC Act (Protecting Access to Recreation with Cash Act) aims to amend the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. It mandates that all units of the National Park System that charge entrance fees must accept cash as a form of payment. The bill was introduced in the Senate on March 13, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to ensure that individuals without credit cards or other forms of electronic payment can still access National Parks. This could increase park visitation among certain demographics. It may also require the National Park Service to maintain cash handling infrastructure.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures access to National Parks for individuals who prefer or are limited to using cash.
- May increase visitation rates, particularly among lower-income individuals and those without bank accounts.
- Could support local economies near National Parks by increasing visitor spending.
- Provides a degree of financial privacy for those who prefer to use cash.
- Simplifies transactions for some visitors who may find cash payments easier.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- May increase administrative costs for the National Park Service due to cash handling and security.
- Could potentially slow down entry processes at park entrances.
- Might increase the risk of theft or fraud.
- May not significantly impact overall park visitation, as most visitors likely already have alternative payment methods.
- Could be seen as resisting the trend towards digital payment systems.
Constitutional Alignment
The PARC Act appears to align with the spirit of providing access to public lands for all citizens. While there is no specific constitutional provision mandating acceptance of cash, the bill does not appear to infringe upon any enumerated rights. The bill falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress under Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to manage federal lands and regulate commerce.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).