S. 2018 · 118th Congress
Connect Our Parks Act
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Passed the Senate without a recorded vote, then expired. It passed by voice vote or unanimous consent, which don't record how each member voted, but didn't become law before the 118th Congress ended.
R
BarrassoSponsor6 cosponsors · 2 D, 3 R, 1 I
4 signed on when it was introduced; the rest joined later. Cosponsors who withdrew aren't shown.
- Senate Introduced Jun 15, 2023
- Senate Passed Dec 18, 2024
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.
What it does: CRS summary · Passed Senate · Dec 18, 2024
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.
Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov
About this bill and sources
Official title: Connect Our Parks Act
Latest action (Dec 19, 2024): Held at the desk.
Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources · Origin: Senate · Introduced: Jun 15, 2023
Official page on Congress.gov · Bill text (GovInfo) · Status record (XML)
- Senate Introduced Jun 15, 2023
- Senate Passed Dec 18, 2024
No recorded floor vote found.