STARS Act

# STARS Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The STARS Act (Semiquincentennial Tourism and Access to Recreation Sites Act) would make September 17, 2026, a free entrance day at America's federal parks and recreation sites to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. On that single day, the National Park Service would waive all entrance fees, and other federal agencies managing public lands—including the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Reclamation—would waive their standard recreation fees. **Who It Affects** This bill directly benefits any American who visits a federal park or recreation site on September 17, 2026. It could encourage tourism and increase park visitation on that specific date.

Federal agencies that manage these sites would experience a one-day loss in fee revenue, though the fiscal impact would likely be modest given it's limited to a single day. **Current Status** The bill has passed the House of Representatives and awaits action in the Senate. It is a relatively straightforward commemorative measure with bipartisan potential, as it creates a one-time celebration of American history without major ongoing costs or controversial policy changes.