§100905 Filming and Still Photography in System Units

Summary

Requires the Secretary to make sure any filming or still photography in a national park unit follows the Service’s laws, policies, and the unit’s management plan. No permit or fee is needed if the shoot has fewer than 6 people and meets the rules below, or if the filming is just documenting or is incidental to an activity already allowed at the park (for example a wedding or graduation), no matter how many people or if someone is paid. The Secretary must create a free "de minimis" authorization for shoots with 6 to 8 people that meet the rules. People can apply online or in person. If the application meets the rules, approval must be automatic and immediate. If a shoot has more than 8 people or does not meet the rules, the Secretary may require a permit and charge a reasonable fee. The rules for permit-free or de minimis shoots say the activity must not bother other visitors, harm natural or cultural resources or scenic values, or need exclusive use of a site. It must be in public areas, not be in very crowded spots, not use sets or staging equipment (handheld gear like tripods is okay), follow park visitor rules and other laws (including drone rules), and not create extra administrative costs. All types of content creation count as filming. The Secretary can still issue permits on request even when not required. Fees for required permits are based on days, crew size, equipment, and other necessary factors; permit applicants must also pay any review and administrative costs. Permit funds and recovered costs are available to the Secretary to spend at the park where collected. The Secretary must refuse permission if the activity is likely to damage resources, unreasonably disrupt visitors, or pose health or safety risks, and must process permits promptly and coordinate when multiple agencies or park units are involved.