Bill > HR4873

This bill, the Cabin Fee Act of 2014, aims to simplify and standardize how fees are calculated for recreational residences located on National Forest System land, which are often referred to as cabins. It establishes an interim fee structure from January 1, 2014, until the completion of a current appraisal cycle, which is capped at $5,600 annually or a fee determined by the Cabin User Fees Fairness Act (a previous law governing these fees) with a 25% annual increase limit. After the appraisal cycle is completed, a new tiered annual fee system will be implemented, ranging from $600 to $5,600 depending on the lot's value, with these fees adjusted annually for inflation and potentially for access or occupancy restrictions, which cabin owners can appeal. The bill also sets a $1,200 fee for transferring ownership of a recreational residence permit, also subject to annual inflation adjustments. Importantly, this act repeals the Cabin User Fees Fairness Act of 2000 once the new fee system is in place, and after ten years, the Secretary of Agriculture can retain and use collected fees for administering recreation programs on National Forest System land.