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Voluntary Public Access Improvement Act of 2025

3/19/2025, 3:08 AM

Summary of Bill S 704

Bill 119 s 704, 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 extend 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.

The bill seeks to reauthorize funding for this program, which has been successful in increasing access to private lands for outdoor enthusiasts while also promoting wildlife conservation and habitat preservation. By providing financial incentives to landowners who participate in the program, it helps to ensure that these lands remain open for public use and enjoyment.

The Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program has been widely supported by both conservationists and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, as it helps to expand access to outdoor activities while also benefiting wildlife and habitat conservation efforts. This bill aims to continue and strengthen this important program, ensuring that it can continue to provide these benefits for years to come.

Congressional Summary of S 704

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 S 704

Bill S 704 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 25, 2025. Bill S 704 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the Senate on February 25, 2025.  Bill S 704's most recent activity was Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. as of February 25, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 704

Total Number of Sponsors
3
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
3
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 704

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 704

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

Comments

Kara Hutchinson profile image

Kara Hutchinson

382

9 months ago

I think this bill is good for our land and animals. It helps people who like to hunt and fish. This bill is important for our environment. Everyone benefits from this bill.

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