Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025
Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025 – Plain Language Summary **What the bill does:** This bill would extend and increase federal funding for a program that pays private landowners to allow the public to hunt, fish, and enjoy wildlife activities on their property. Currently, many hunting and fishing areas are on private land, but owners don't always allow public access. The program offers grants to state and tribal governments to work with landowners and create access agreements.
The bill would continue this program through 2029 and boost its budget. **Who it affects:** Private landowners (farmers, ranchers, and forest owners) would benefit from additional financial incentives to open their land to the public. Hunters, fishermen, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts would gain more places to access these activities. States and tribal governments would receive competitive grants to administer the program. **Current status:** The bill (HR 1565) was introduced by Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full House.
CRS Official Summary
Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and increases funding for the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). This Natural Resources Conservation Service program provides state and tribal governments competitive grants to encourage owners and operators of privately-held land (i.e., farm, ranch, and forest land) to allow public access for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation.The bill also reauthorizes through FY2029 VPA-HIP funding to encourage public access to land covered by wetland reserve easements through agreements with states and tribal governments.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.