STATUS:

• October 15, 2013.--Introduced.
• October 16, 2013.--Mr. Bennet and Mr. Udall of Colorado added as cosponsors.

Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act (Introduced in Senate - IS)

S 1572 IS

To direct the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse States that use State funds to operate National Parks during the Federal Government shutdown, and for other purposes.

Mr. ALEXANDER (for himself and Mr. HATCH) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources

To direct the Secretary of the Treasury to reimburse States that use State funds to operate National Parks during the Federal Government shutdown, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Protecting States, Opening National Parks Act'.

SEC. 2. REIMBURSEMENT FOR COSTS TO STATES TO OPEN NATIONAL PARKS TO THE PUBLIC.

(a) In General- Not later than 90 days after funds are made available, the Secretary of the Treasury, using funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, and out of applicable corporate or other revenues, receipts, and funds, for the several departments, agencies, corporations, and other organizational units of government for the fiscal year 2014, shall reimburse any State for activities described in subsection (b).

(b) Activities Eligible for Reimbursement- The Secretary of the Treasury shall reimburse States under subsection (a) for State funds expended for activities that meet all of the following criteria:

(1) The activity was conducted in fiscal year 2014 during a time when the Federal Government was not conducting that activity due to the partial shutdown of the Federal Government.

(2) The activity was necessary to operate and open to the public a National Park located, in whole or in part, within the State.

(3) The activity was authorized under Federal law.

(4) The activity was conducted in a manner and at a level not substantially greater in scope or cost than how the activity would have been conducted by the Federal Government.

(5) The activity is not a settlement of or defense against a claim of liability on the part of the State.