summary
Introduced
09/16/2014
09/16/2014
In Committee
09/18/2014
09/18/2014
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/03/2015
01/03/2015
Introduced Session
113th Congress
Bill Summary
Cabin Fee Act of 2014 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to set an annual fee for the issuance of a special use permit for the use and occupancy of National Forest System land for recreational residence purposes. Requires the Secretary to: (1) complete the current appraisal cycle, including receipt of timely second appraisals, for such residences within one year after enactment of this Act; and (2) assess an interim annual fee for them according to a specified formula. Specifies the annual fee for each of 11 fee tiers based on the value of the lot of which the recreational residence is located, adjusted annually for inflation. Requires the Secretary to report after 10 years on these annual fees in order to ensure that they reflect fair value for the use of System land, and on any recommendations to modify the fee system. Directs the Secretary to establish a transfer fee of $1,200 for the issuance of a new recreational residence permit due to a change in ownership of the recreational residence. Permits the Secretary, beginning 10 years after enactment of this Act, to: (1) retain and expend any fees collected under this Act, without further appropriation; and (2) use them to administer the recreational residence program and other recreation programs carried out on System land. Repeals the Cabin User Fees Fairness Act of 2000, effective on the date the annual permit fees are first assessed under this Act.
AI Summary
This bill, the Cabin Fee Act of 2014, directs the Secretary of Agriculture to establish an annual fee for special use permits allowing the use of National Forest System land for recreational residences, commonly known as cabins. The bill mandates the completion of the current appraisal cycle for these residences within one year of enactment and sets an interim annual fee, which is the lesser of the fee determined under the previous Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000 or $5,600, with annual increases capped at 25%. After the appraisal cycle is finished and lot values are adjusted, a new tiered annual fee structure will be implemented, ranging from $650 to $5,650, with these fees adjusted annually for inflation. The bill also establishes a $1,200 transfer fee for new permits issued due to a change in ownership. Beginning 10 years after enactment, the Secretary can retain and use collected fees to administer the recreational residence program and other recreation programs on National Forest land without needing further congressional approval. Finally, the bill repeals the Cabin User Fee Fairness Act of 2000 once the new annual permit fees are first assessed.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 538. (on 12/22/2014)
Official Document
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