Legislation1w ago
42
To authorize implementation grants to community-based nonprofits to operate one-stop reentry centers.
HR8548Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37] (D-CA)
introduced
S2708119th CongressWALLET
Appalachian Trail Centennial Act
Sponsored By: Senator Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
In Committee
Summary
Would strengthen cooperative management for the Appalachian Trail and other national scenic and historic trails. This bill would set rules for designated operational partners, clarify volunteer and federal roles, require segment-by-segment planning, and authorize funding to support planning and development through FY2026–FY2031.
Show full summary
- Families, visitors, and gateway communities would see more local planning and data. The bill would require visitor‑capacity limits by trail segment and ask agencies to identify methods to measure economic impact within 3 years and at least every 5 years.
- Volunteer groups and nonprofits would gain formal roles and protections. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy must be named the Designated Operational Partner within 1 year if criteria are met, and eligible partners must meet 501(c) nonprofit and financial standards.
- Trail protection and enforcement would get new tools. Designated partners must submit proposed priority lists for land protection and may request Federal investigation of trespass or violations, with agency and U.S. Attorney response timelines of about 60 and 150 days respectively.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
New rules for nonprofit trail partners
If enacted, the bill would set rules for nonprofit Designated Operational Partners (DOPs). The Appalachian Trail Conservancy must be designated as the DOP for the Appalachian Trail within one year. Eligible DOPs must be 501(c) tax‑exempt groups with trail experience and sound financial practices. DOPs could receive appropriated funds without competition and must send periodic priority land lists to the Secretary with parcel details and partner commitments. DOPs could send a written redress request about trespass or other harms; the Secretary must assess it within 60 days, the DOP may reply within 30 days, and the U.S. Attorney must report back within 150 days (or within 60 days after extra info). The Secretary may rescind a DOP designation if eligibility is lost.
Trail planning, visitor limits, and funding
If enacted, the bill would require the Interior and Agriculture Secretaries to pick methods to measure trail economic impact within three years and update them at least every five years. The Secretaries must send two joint reports to Congress: one within three years on planning successes and challenges, and one within five years on desired conditions and segment use. The Secretary would set visitor capacity by specific trail segment based on desired conditions. For each fiscal year 2026 through 2031, the bill would authorize such sums as are necessary for capacity work, economic methods, required reports, and for acquiring or building facilities and land for covered trails.
Official status and key definitions
If enacted, the bill would set clear definitions for terms like 'covered trail', 'operation', 'visitor capacity', 'Designated Operational Partner', and 'volunteer organization'. It would also make each covered trail an official unit of the National Trails System and assign each to a federally administered area. These definitions would decide who the rest of the law applies to.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sen. Kaine, Tim [D-VA]
VA • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Tillis, Thomas [R-NC]
NC • R
Sponsored 9/4/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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