An Act to allow the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture to establish a fee system for commercial filming activities on Federal land, and for other purposes.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 106-206.
Official Summary
Directs the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture (Secretary), with respect to lands under their jurisdiction, to require a permit and establish a reasonable fee for commercial filming activities or similar projects on Federal lands. Directs the Secretary to also recover any costs associated with such activities, including administrative and personnel costs.States that the Secretary shall not require a permit or assess a fee for still photography on such lands if the photography takes place where the public is generally allowed. Allows for such permit and fee when still photography takes place where the public is generally not allowed, or where administrative costs are likely. Requires a permit and fee for photography that uses models or props which are not part of the site.Prohibits the Secretary from permitting any filming, still photography, or related activity if: (1) there is a likelihood of resource damage; (2) there would be unreasonable disruption of the site's public use and enjoyment; or (3) the activity poses public health or safety risks.Provides for the use of such fees at the site in which they were collected for purposes stated under the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program.Requires the Secretary to establish a process to ensure the timely response to permit applications.
GovScope Watchdog™
AI Government Intelligence™This law authorizes the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture to require permits and establish fees for commercial filming activities on federal lands under their jurisdiction. It mandates recovery of associated administrative and personnel costs and sets conditions under which permits and fees are required or exempted, such as for still photography in publicly accessible areas. The law prohibits permitting activities that could damage resources, disrupt public use, or pose health and safety risks. Fees collected are to be used at the site of collection under the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program, and a process for timely permit application responses is required.
The law creates a structured fee and permit system for commercial filming on federal lands, balancing revenue recovery and resource protection while ensuring public access and safety.
- Requires permits and reasonable fees for commercial filming and similar activities on federal lands managed by the Interior and Agriculture Secretaries.
- Exempts still photography from permits and fees when conducted in areas open to the public, but requires permits and fees when photography involves models, props, or restricted areas.
- Prohibits permitting activities that risk resource damage, disrupt public enjoyment, or threaten public health and safety.
- Directs that fees collected be used at the site where they were collected, consistent with the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program.
- Mandates the establishment of a process to ensure timely responses to permit applications.
['U.S. Department of the Interior', 'U.S. Department of Agriculture', 'Commercial filming and photography companies', 'Federal land management agencies', 'General public accessing federal lands']
['Implementation challenges in assessing and collecting fees fairly and efficiently.', 'Administrative costs associated with permit processing and enforcement.', 'Potential delays or barriers for commercial filming due to permit requirements.', 'Ensuring consistent application of prohibitions related to resource damage and public safety.', 'Oversight of fee usage to confirm alignment with the Recreational Fee Demonstration Program.']
The bill was introduced in the House during the 106th Congress and was signed into law on May 26, 2000, becoming Public Law No: 106-206. It reflects federal efforts to regulate commercial activities on public lands to balance economic use with conservation and public access interests.
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['Potential increase in revenue for federal land management agencies to support maintenance and administration of filming activities.', 'Possible reduction in unauthorized commercial filming due to permit and fee requirements.', 'Enhanced protection of natural and cultural resources through restrictions on harmful activities.', 'Administrative burden on agencies to process permits and enforce compliance.', 'Commercial filming companies may adjust operations to comply with permit and fee structures.']
The law establishes clear authority for fee collection and permit requirements but requires ongoing oversight to ensure fees are reasonable, collected efficiently, and used appropriately at the collection sites. Monitoring is needed to verify that prohibitions on resource damage and public safety risks are consistently enforced. Transparency in the permit process and fee usage will be important to maintain public trust and balance commercial interests with conservation goals.
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