Federal Lands Subcommittee, Agriculture Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill seeks to establish a presumption of motorized access on roads and trails managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Within 180 days of enactment, these routes will be considered open to motorized vehicles unless specifically restricted by the relevant Secretary. This policy change aims to increase public access for motorized recreation and other land management activities. Any restrictions on motorized access must be based on clear and convincing evidence for resource protection or public safety. Such restrictions must be clearly marked with signage, depicted on updated official maps, and undergo a public notice and comment period. Furthermore, restrictions must be reviewed every five years and applied to the smallest area and for the least amount of time practicable. The bill also requires the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to accept and consider public proposals for additions to designated motorized road and trail networks at any time. These proposals can include new routes or the repurposing of existing ones. Priority will be given to nominations that improve connectivity, protect natural resources, enhance access for fuels reduction or wildfire response, or provide additional motorized recreation opportunities, with expedited review for converting administrative roads to motorized trails.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Forests, forestry, treesGeography and mappingGovernment information and archivesLand use and conservationMotor vehiclesParks, recreation areas, trailsRoads and highways
Public Lands Access Restoration Act
USA119th CongressHR-7979| House
| Updated: 3/26/2026
This bill seeks to establish a presumption of motorized access on roads and trails managed by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Within 180 days of enactment, these routes will be considered open to motorized vehicles unless specifically restricted by the relevant Secretary. This policy change aims to increase public access for motorized recreation and other land management activities. Any restrictions on motorized access must be based on clear and convincing evidence for resource protection or public safety. Such restrictions must be clearly marked with signage, depicted on updated official maps, and undergo a public notice and comment period. Furthermore, restrictions must be reviewed every five years and applied to the smallest area and for the least amount of time practicable. The bill also requires the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture to accept and consider public proposals for additions to designated motorized road and trail networks at any time. These proposals can include new routes or the repurposing of existing ones. Priority will be given to nominations that improve connectivity, protect natural resources, enhance access for fuels reduction or wildfire response, or provide additional motorized recreation opportunities, with expedited review for converting administrative roads to motorized trails.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
Subcommittee Hearings Held
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Federal Lands Subcommittee, Agriculture Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Forests, forestry, treesGeography and mappingGovernment information and archivesLand use and conservationMotor vehiclesParks, recreation areas, trailsRoads and highways