summary
Introduced
07/23/2013
07/23/2013
In Committee
12/19/2013
12/19/2013
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2015
01/03/2015
Introduced Session
113th Congress
Bill Summary
Cabin Fee Act of 2013 - (Sec. 2) Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to set an annual fee for a special use permit for the use and occupancy of National Forest System land for recreational residence purposes. Requires the Secretary to complete the current appraisal cycle for the recreational residences within two years in accordance with the Cabin User Fees Fairness Act of 2000. Requires the assessment of an interim annual fee from January 1, 2014, until the current appraisal is completed. Instructs the Secretary to make a one-time adjustment to the value of each appraised lot on which a recreational residence is located to reflect any change in value occurring after the date of the most recent appraisal. Allows a permitee to arrange for a second appraisal of a lot. Specifies the annual fee for 11 fee tiers based on the value of the lot on which the recreational residence is located, and requires annual inflation adjustments. Allows the Secretary to suspend or reduce the annual fee if access to, or the occupancy of, the recreational residence is significantly restricted. Requires the Secretary to report after ten years on: (1) these annual fees in order to ensure that they reflect fair value for the use of use of the land for recreational residential purposes, and (2) any recommendations to modify the fee system. (Sec. 3) Directs the Secretary to establish a transfer fee of $1,200, adjusted annually for inflation, for the issuance of a new recreational residence permit due to a change in ownership of the recreational residence. (Sec. 4) Prohibits the Secretary from establishing or imposing a fee or condition under this Act for permits in Alaska that is inconsistent with provisions regarding the renewal or continuation of permit and leases for cabins, homesites, or similar structures on federal lands under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act. (Sec. 5) Permits the Secretary, beginning in FY2024, to retain and expend any fees collected under this Act without further appropriation. Requires the fees to be used to administer the recreational residence program and other recreation programs carried out on National Forest System land. (Sec. 6) Repeals the Cabin User Fees Fairness Act of 2000, effective on the date the annual permit fees are assessed under this Act.
AI Summary
This bill, the Cabin Fee Act of 2013, directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an annual fee for permits allowing the use of National Forest System land for recreational residences, which are private cabins on public land. The bill requires the completion of a current appraisal cycle for these residences within two years and sets an interim fee from January 1, 2014, until that appraisal is finished, with limits on how much the fee can increase annually. After the appraisal, the Secretary will make a one-time adjustment to the lot's value to reflect recent market changes, and permittees can opt for a second appraisal. The bill then outlines eleven fee tiers based on the appraised value of the lot, with annual adjustments for inflation, and allows for fee reductions if access or occupancy is significantly restricted. Furthermore, it establishes a $1,200 transfer fee, also adjusted for inflation, for new permits when a recreational residence is sold, and importantly, exempts Alaska from any fees or conditions inconsistent with existing laws protecting permits for structures in that state. Beginning in fiscal year 2024, the Secretary can keep and use these collected fees to manage the recreational residence program and other recreation programs on National Forest land, and the bill repeals the Cabin User Fees Fairness Act of 2000 once the new annual fees are assessed.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (10)
Jon Tester (D)*,
John Barrasso (R),
Max Baucus (D),
Mike Crapo (R),
Michael Enzi (R),
Dianne Feinstein (D),
Jeff Flake (R),
Chuck Grassley (R),
Jim Risch (R),
John Walsh (D),
Last Action
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 397. (on 05/22/2014)
Official Document
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