Land Manager Housing and Workforce Improvement Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Barrasso, John [R-WY]
Introduced
Summary
Expands authority for workforce housing across land-management agencies. This bill would give the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Forest Service new tools to site, fund, partner on, and staff employee housing near public lands.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
More housing for park and forest staff
If enacted, the Interior Department could acquire up to 20 acres near a park to build housing for field staff. Land acquired would not become part of the National Park System but the Secretary could manage and lease it. The Forest Service could issue workforce housing permits up to 50 years when appropriate. Forest administrative site sales would require at least two competitive bids.
Local hiring and seasonal rehire rules
If enacted, Interior and Agriculture could directly appoint certified local residents to certain field jobs at or below GS-9 or WG-15. The bill would also let seasonal National Park Service workers be rehired noncompetitively across larger NPS subdivisions. Both authorities are limited and expire on September 30, 2030.
Reports on agency housing needs
If enacted, the Government Accountability Office must report within 18 months on Federal housing rules affecting agency workforces. The report must suggest administrative actions and legislative changes. Agency heads must carry out the report's administrative actions within one year after it is sent. The Interior and Agriculture Secretaries must also jointly report within 18 months on housing owned or leased by covered agencies and on local housing markets.
More partnerships and donations for parks
If enacted, the Secretary could make cooperative management agreements with nearby State, Tribal, or local governments. The agreements could share offices, services, and let agencies be reimbursed. The Secretary could keep and spend funds received under these agreements without more appropriation. The bill would also make it clear the National Park Service can accept paid services as donated support.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Barrasso, John [R-WY]
WY • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Daines, Steve [R-MT]
MT • R
Sponsored 3/14/2025
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
ME • I
Sponsored 3/14/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov