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Federal

FILM Act

Source: Congress.gov  ·  4,782 words in original text
Summary
# H.R. 1576: Federal Interior Land Media Act (FILM Act) ## WHAT THIS BILL DOES This bill removes permit and fee requirements for people who create videos, photos, or audio recordings on federal land managed by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior. The bill allows small groups to film, photograph, or record without getting permission first, as long as they follow certain rules about not damaging resources or disrupting other visitors. ## WHO IT AFFECTS - Content creators (photographers, videographers, podcasters, social media creators) - People filming weddings, family events, or celebrations on federal land - Federal land management agencies (National Park Service, Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management) - The general public visiting federal lands ## KEY PROVISIONS - People with fewer than 6 individuals do not need a permit or fee if they follow conduct requirements (Sec. 2(a), section 100905(a)(2)) - People with 6 to 8 individuals can get a free "de minimis use authorization" (a simple approval) instead of a full permit, if they meet conduct requirements. Agencies must approve these automatically through websites or immediately at field offices (Sec. 2(a), section 100905(a)(3)) - Filming at allowed events like weddings or family reunions never needs a permit or fee, regardless of group size or whether people get paid (Sec. 2(a), section 100905(a)(2)(B) and (7)(B)) - Groups with more than 8 individuals may need a permit and reasonable fee based on number of days, crew size, equipment type, and other factors (Sec. 2(a), section 100905(a)(4)) - Agencies can deny filming if they determine it will cause resource damage, create unreasonable public disruption, or pose health or safety risks (Sec. 2(a), section 100905(c)) ## WHAT CHANGES Currently, most filming on federal land requires permits and fees regardless of group size or activity type. Under this law: - Small groups (under 6 people) filming, photographing, or recording can do so freely without any permit application - Groups of 6 to 8 people get automatic free approvals through a simplified process instead of traditional permits - People making money from their content (like social media creators) can do so without paying fees if they meet the size and conduct requirements - Large groups (more than 8 people) and activities that don't meet the conduct standards still need permits and must pay reasonable fees - Agencies must process permit applications promptly and coordinate across multiple agencies when needed ## IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS **Federal land management unit**: Federal land managed by the Secretary of Interior (except National Parks) or National Forest System land managed by the Secretary of Agriculture (Sec. 2(b), section 1(e)(1)) **Secretary concerned**: The Secretary of Interior for Interior-managed land or the Secretary of Agriculture for Forest Service land (Sec. 2(b), section 1(e)(2)) **Filming or still photography activity**: Any video, still photograph, or audio recording for commercial or noncommercial content creation, regardless of where it is shared (Sec. 2(a), section 100905(a)(6)) ## EFFECTIVE DATE Not specified in bill text
Important: This plain English summary was generated by AI and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Always consult the official bill text on Congress.gov or a qualified attorney for legal matters.