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Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025

4/22/2025, 12:42 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1565

Bill 119 HR 1565, also known as the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Reauthorization Act, aims to amend the Food Security Act of 1985 in order to renew the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program. This program encourages private landowners to open up their land for recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and wildlife observation, while also promoting conservation efforts to protect natural habitats.

The bill seeks to continue funding for this program, which has been successful in increasing access to outdoor recreational opportunities for the public, while also supporting wildlife habitat conservation. By providing incentives for landowners to participate in the program, it helps to ensure that more land is available for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy, while also preserving important habitats for wildlife.

Overall, the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Reauthorization Act is aimed at promoting conservation efforts, increasing public access to outdoor recreational activities, and supporting landowners who are willing to open up their land for these purposes. It is an important piece of legislation that helps to balance the needs of conservation and recreation in a thoughtful and non-partisan manner.

Congressional Summary of HR 1565

Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025

This bill reauthorizes through FY2029 and increases funding for the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). This Natural Resources Conservation Service program provides state and tribal governments competitive grants to encourage owners and operators of privately-held land (i.e., farm, ranch, and forest land) to allow public access for hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-dependent recreation.

The bill also reauthorizes through FY2029 VPA-HIP funding to encourage public access to land covered by wetland reserve easements through agreements with states and tribal governments.

Current Status of Bill HR 1565

Bill HR 1565 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 25, 2025. Bill HR 1565 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 25, 2025.  Bill HR 1565's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit. as of March 28, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1565

Total Number of Sponsors
6
Democrat Sponsors
6
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
6
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
6
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1565

Primary Policy Focus

Agriculture and Food

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1565

To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to reauthorize the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program.
To amend the Food Security Act of 1985 to reauthorize the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program.

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