H.R. 826 — Introduced in House

I 113th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 826 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 26, 2013 Mr. Whitfield introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To prohibit the Corps of Engineers from taking any action to establish a restricted area prohibiting public access to waters downstream of a dam, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Freedom to Fish Act of 2013. 2. Restricted areas at Corps of Engineers dams (a) In general The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, shall not take any action to establish a restricted area prohibiting public access to waters downstream of a dam owned by the Corps of Engineers. (b) Effective date (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), this section shall apply to an action described in subsection (a) on or after August 1, 2012. (2) Existing restrictions If the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Chief of Engineers, has taken an action described in subsection (a) during the period beginning on August 1, 2012, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall— (A) cease implementing the restricted area resulting from the action; and (B) remove any barriers constructed in connection with the restricted area.