Connect Our Parks Act

Bill: 118-s-2018
Sponsor: Sen. Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced: 2023-06-15 in the Senate
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Subjects: Congressional oversight
Government studies and investigations
Internet, web applications, social media
Parks, recreation areas, trails
Technology assessment
Telephone and wireless communication

Summary:
action_date: 2024-12-18
text: 

Connect Our Parks Act

This bill requires the National Park Service (NPS) to assess locations within the National Park System with the greatest need for broadband internet or cellular service, and to develop a plan for the placement of broadband and cellular infrastructure in parks. 

In assessing where broadband service is most needed, the NPS must consider the current availability of broadband in housing, lodging, administrative facilities, developed campgrounds, and other areas within each park. In assessing where cellular service is most needed, the NPS must consider locations where the availability of cellular service in a developed area of a park would increase public access to emergency services and traveler information or the communications capabilities of NPS employees. The NPS must complete the assessment within one year of the bill’s enactment. 

Further, within three years of the bill's enactment, the NPS must develop a plan based on the results of the assessment to install broadband and cellular service infrastructure at locations within the National Park System. In developing the plan, the NPS must consult with affected tribes and local stakeholders. 

The plan must (1) be technology neutral; (2) provide for infrastructure to be located in previously developed areas or areas zoned for uses that would support infrastructure; and (3) avoid or minimize impacts to cultural and natural resources, the visitor experience, and park viewsheds. The plan must also provide for the use of public-private partnerships for the installation of equipment and provision of broadband or cellular service.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2024-12-19
text: Held at the desk.
action_date: 2024-12-19
text: Received in the House.
action_date: 2024-12-19
text: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
action_date: 2024-12-18
text: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7145; text: CR S7148-7149)
action_date: 2024-12-18
text: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
action_date: 2024-01-09
text: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 306.
action_date: 2024-01-09
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 118-154.
action_date: 2024-01-09
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Manchin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 118-154.
action_date: 2023-09-21
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
action_date: 2023-06-21
text: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Senate Subcommittee on National Parks. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 118-284.
action_date: 2023-06-15
text: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
action_date: 2023-06-15
text: Introduced in Senate