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SOAR Act

12/15/2023, 4:07 PM

Summary of Bill S 1630

The SOAR Act, also known as Bill 118 s 1630, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The purpose of this bill is to address the issue of student loan debt and provide relief to borrowers who are struggling to repay their loans.

The SOAR Act proposes several key provisions to help alleviate the burden of student loan debt. One of the main components of the bill is the establishment of a loan forgiveness program for borrowers who have made consistent payments on their loans for a certain period of time. This program would provide relief to borrowers who have demonstrated a commitment to repaying their loans but are still facing financial hardship.

Additionally, the SOAR Act aims to simplify the process of applying for and managing student loans. The bill includes provisions to streamline the application process, improve loan servicing practices, and increase transparency for borrowers. These changes are intended to make it easier for borrowers to understand their options and navigate the complex world of student loans. Overall, the SOAR Act is designed to provide much-needed relief to borrowers who are struggling with student loan debt. By offering loan forgiveness and improving the loan management process, this bill aims to help borrowers achieve financial stability and move forward with their lives.

Congressional Summary of S 1630

Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act or the SOAR Act

This bill modifies requirements regarding special recreation permits for outfitting and guiding on federal recreational lands and waters, including by categorizing permits as transitional special recreation permits or as long-term permits.

The bill requires the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to issue two-year transitional special recreation permits to a recreation provider for a new or additional reoccurring recreation service. Interior or USDA must issue a long-term special recreation permit, with a term of 5 or 10 years, to a recreation provider who has held no less than two transitional permits (or similar permits) and meets performance criteria.

The departments may provide the flexibility to a permit holder to engage in another activity similar to the permitted activity under a permit.

The departments must establish a pilot program to offer a single joint special recreation permit or commercial use authorization for a multijurisdictional trip.

The bill requires the departments to evaluate and improve the process for issuing special recreation permits.

Current Status of Bill S 1630

Bill S 1630 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since May 16, 2023. Bill S 1630 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on May 16, 2023.  Bill S 1630's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. as of May 16, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 1630

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
24
Democrat Cosponsors
8
Republican Cosponsors
12
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
4

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 1630

Primary Policy Focus

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 1630

SOAR Act
SOAR Act
Simplifying Outdoor Access for Recreation Act
A bill to modify the procedures for issuing special recreation permits for certain public land units, and for other purposes.

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