,,ii #aadth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #ajgh ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,april #bc1 #bjae,mr4 ,heinrich introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,energy and ,natural ,resources ,a ,,bill ,to authorize the ,secretary of the ,interior to carry out programs and activities that connect people in the ,united ,states1 especially children1 youth1 and families1 with the outdoors4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,healthy ,kids ,outdoors ,act of #bjae4 #b4 ,findings ,congress finds that-- 7#a7 children today are spending less time outdoors than any generation in human history1 as evidenced by studies that show children enjoy half as much time outdoors today as children did just #bj years ago1 while children spend more than #g hours every day in front of electronic media2 7#b7 the health of children in the ,united ,states is at risk as evidenced by the growing obesity crisis in which1 during the past #cj years1 the childhood obesity rate has more than doubled and the adolescent obesity rate has quadrupled1 costing the economy of the ,united ,states billions of dollars each year2 7#c7 the rise in childhood obesity has had a negative economic impact2 7#d7 the readiness of the military is declining as nearly #a in #d applicants to the military is rejected for being overweight or obese1 which is the most common reason for medical disqualification2 7#e7 research has shown that military children and families are facing increased stress and mental strain and challenges due to multiple1 extended deployments2 7#f7 military family service organizations have developed programs that connect military children and families with positive1 meaningful outdoor experiences that benefit mental and physical health1 but the programs lack sufficient resources to meet increasing demand2 7#g7 the outdoor retail industry1 many local tourist destinations or gateway communities1 and ,state fish and wildlife agencies rely on revenue generated from individuals spending time outdoors to create jobs in local communities2 7#h7 over the past several years1 urbanization1 changing land use patterns1 increasing road traffic1 and inadequate solutions to addressing those challenges in the built environment have combined to make it more difficult for many people in the ,united ,states to walk or bike to schools1 parks1 and play areas or experience the natural environment2 7#i7 spending time in green spaces outside the home1 including public land1 parks1 play areas1 and gardens-- 7,a7 increases concentration1 inhibition of initial impulses1 and self-discipline in children2 and 7,b7 has been shown to reduce stress and mental fatigue in children2 7#aj7 in one study1 children who were exposed to greener environments in a public housing area demonstrated less aggression1 violence1 and stress2 7#aa7 visitation to public land in the ,united ,states has declined or remained flat in recent years1 and yet1 connecting with nature and the great outdoors in communities is critical to fostering the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts who will visit1 appreciate1 and become stewards of the public land in the ,united ,states2 7#ab7 spending time outdoors in nature-- 7,a7 is beneficial to the physical1 mental1 and emotional health of children2 and 7,b7 has been proven-- 7i7 to decrease symptoms of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children2 7ii7 to stimulate brain development1 improve motor skills1 result in better sleep1 reduce stress1 increase creativity1 and improve moods in children2 and 7iii7 to reduce the risk of developing myopia in children2 7#ac7 children who spend time playing outside are more likely to take risks1 seek out adventure1 develop self-confidence1 and respect the value of nature2 7#ad7 a direct childhood experience with nature before the age of #aa promotes a long-term connection to nature2 7#ae7 conservation education and outdoor recreation experiences such as camping1 hiking1 boating1 hunting1 fishing1 archery1 recreational shooting1 wildlife watching1 and other experiences are critical to engaging young people in the outdoors2 7#af7 as children become more disconnected from the natural world1 the hunting and angling conservation legacy of the ,united ,states is at risk2 7#ag7 hunters and anglers play a critical role in reconnecting young people with nature1 protecting the natural resources of the ,united ,states1 and fostering a lifelong understanding of the value of conserving the natural world2 7#ah7 research demonstrates that hunters that become engaged in hunting as children are among the most active and interested hunters as adults2 7#ai7 the vast majority of hunters report that the hunters were introduced to hunting between the ages of #aj and #ab1 with the overwhelming majority of children being introduced to hunting by an adult2 7#bj7 parks and recreation1 youth-serving1 service-learning1 conservation1 health1 education1 and built-environment organizations1 facilities1 and personnel provide critical resources and infrastructure for connecting children and families with nature2 7#ba7 it takes many dedicated people to work to preserve1 protect1 enhance1 and restore natural resources in the ,united ,states2 7#bb7 with an aging workforce in the natural resource professions1 it is critical for the next generation to have an appreciation for nature and be ready to take over the responsibilities relating to the natural resources of the ,united ,states2 7#bc7 place-based service-learning opportunities use land and water as the context for learning by engaging students in the process of exploration1 action1 and reflection2 7#bd7 physical activity outdoors connected with meaningful community service to solve real-world problems1 such as removing invasive plants or removing trash from a streambed1 strengthens communities by engaging youth as citizen stewards2 7#be7 ,states and community-based partners have some notable programs that connect children and families with nature1 yet most ,states lack sufficient resources and a comprehensive strategy to effectively engage ,state agencies across multiple fields2 and 7#bf7 ,states need to engage in cross-sector agency and nonprofit collaboration that involves public health and wellness1 parks and recreation1 transportation and city planning1 and other sectors focused on connecting children and families with the outdoors to increase coordination and effective implementation of the policy tools and programs that a ,state can bring to bear to provide outdoor opportunities for children and families4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,eligible entity ,the term eligible entity means-- 7,a7 a ,state2 or 7,b7 a consortium from one ,state that includes the ,state and local partners4 7#b7 ,local partner ,the term local partner means-- 7,a7 a unit of local government2 7,b7 a tribal government2 7,c7 a parks and recreation department or district2 7,d7 a school district2 7,e7 an institution of higher education2 7,f7 a nonprofit organization2 and 7,g7 a consortium of entities described in subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,f74 7#c7 ,national strategy ,the term national strategy means the national strategy developed under section #e7;a74 7#d7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7#e7 ,state ,the term ,state means any of the several ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 any other territory or possession of the ,united ,states1 or any ,indian tribe4 7#f7 ,state strategy ,the term ,state strategy means a ,state strategy developed under section #d7;a74 #d4 ,cooperative agreements for development or implementation of healthy kids outdoors ,state strategies 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may issue to an eligible entity a cooperative agreement for each ,state for the development1 implementation1 and updating by the eligible entity of a #e-year ,state strategy1 to be known as a ,healthy ,kids ,outdoors ,state ,strategy1 that is designed to encourage people in the ,united ,states 7especially children1 youth1 and families7 to be physically active outdoors4 7b7 ,submission and approval of strategies 7#a7 ,applications ,an application for a cooperative agreement under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7,a7 be submitted by the eligible entity to the ,secretary not later than #abj days after the date on which the ,secretary publishes guidelines under subsection 7f77#a72 and 7,b7 include-- 7i7 a ,state strategy that meets the requirements of subsection 7c71 as determined by the ,secretary2 or 7ii7 a proposal for the development and submission to the ,secretary of a ,state strategy4 7#b7 ,approval of strategy2 peer review ,not later than #ij days after the date on which a ,state strategy is submitted under paragraph 7#a77;,b77i71 the ,secretary shall1 through a peer review process1 approve1 or recommend changes to1 the ,state strategy4 7#c7 ,state strategy updates 7,a7 ,in general ,an eligible entity that receives funds under this section shall update the ,state strategy at least once every #e years4 7,b7 ,funding ,funding to an eligible entity under this section shall be terminated if the eligible entity does not-- 7i7 update the ,state strategy in accordance with subparagraph 7,a72 or 7ii7 provide to the ,secretary reports that document-- 7,i7 the results of evaluation methods consistent with the guidelines published under subsection 7f77#a72 and 7,,ii7 lessons learned from implementing the ,state strategy4 7c7 ,comprehensive strategy requirements ,each ,state strategy shall include-- 7#a7 a description of ways in which the eligible entity will encourage people in the ,united ,states 7especially children1 youth1 and families7 to be physically active in the outdoors through-- 7,a7 ,state1 local1 and tribal-- 7i7 public health systems2 7ii7 public parks and recreation systems2 and 7iii7 public transportation and city planning systems2 and 7,b7 other public systems that connect people in the ,united ,states 7especially children1 youth1 and families7 to the outdoors2 7#b7 a description of ways in which the eligible entity will partner with nongovernmental organizations 7including organizations serving military families and tribal agencies71 with an emphasis on organizations serving children1 youth1 and families2 7#c7 a description of ways in which ,state agencies will collaborate with each other to implement the ,state strategy2 7#d7 a description of ways in which funding will be expended through local planning and implementation subgrants under subsection 7d72 7#e7 a description of ways in which the eligible entity will evaluate the effectiveness of1 and measure the impact of1 the ,state strategy1 including an estimate of the costs associated with the evaluation2 7#f7 a description of ways in which the eligible entity will provide opportunities for public involvement in developing and implementing the ,state strategy2 7#g7 a description of ways in which the ,state strategy will increase visitation to ,federal public land within the ,state2 and 7#h7 a description of ways in which the eligible entity will leverage private funds to expand opportunities and further implement the ,state strategy4 7d7 ,local planning and implementation 7#a7 ,in general ,a ,state strategy shall provide for the provision of subgrants from the eligible entity to local partners to implement the ,state strategy through one or more of the program activities described in paragraph 7#b74 7#b7 ,program activities ,program activities referred to in paragraph 7#a7 may include-- 7,a7 implementing outdoor recreation and youth mentoring programs that provide opportunities to experience the outdoors1 be physically active1 and teach skills for lifelong participation in outdoor activities1 including fishing1 hunting1 recreational shooting1 archery1 hiking1 camping1 outdoor play in natural environments1 and wildlife watching2 7,b7 implementing programs that connect communities with safe parks1 green spaces1 and outdoor recreation areas through affordable public transportation and trail systems that encourage walking1 biking1 and increased physical activity outdoors2 7,c7 implementing-- 7i7 school-based programs that use outdoor learning environments1 such as wildlife habitats or gardens2 and 7ii7 programs that use service learning to restore natural areas and maintain recreational assets2 and 7,d7 implementing education programs for parents and caregivers about the health benefits of active time outdoors to fight obesity and increase the quality of life for people in the ,united ,states 7especially children1 youth1 and families74 7e7 ,priority ,in making cooperative agreements under subsection 7a7 and subgrants under subsection 7d77#a71 the ,secretary and the eligible entity1 respectively1 shall give preference to eligible entities and local partners that serve individuals that have limited opportunities to experience nature1 including individuals that-- 7#a7 are socioeconomically disadvantaged2 7#b7 have a disability2 or 7#c7 suffer disproportionately from physical and mental health stressors4 7f7 ,guidelines ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 and after notice and opportunity for public comment1 the ,secretary shall publish in the ,federal ,register guidelines on the implementation of this ,act1 including guidelines for-- 7#a7 developing and submitting strategies and evaluation methods under subsection 7b72 and 7#b7 technical assistance and dissemination of best practices under section #g4 7g7 ,reports ,not later than #b years after the date on which the ,secretary approves the ,state strategy of an eligible entity receiving funds under this section1 and every year thereafter1 the eligible entity shall submit to the ,secretary a report on the implementation of the ,state strategy based on the evaluation and assessment of the eligible entity in meeting the goals specified in the ,state strategy4 7h7 ,allocation of funds ,an eligible entity receiving amounts from a cooperative agreement issued under subsection 7a7 for a fiscal year-- 7#a7 may use not more than #e percent of the funding for administrative expenses2 and 7#b7 shall use at least #ie percent of the funding to provide subgrants to local partners under subsection 7d74 7i7 ,matching requirement ,an eligible entity receiving amounts from a cooperative agreement issued under subsection 7a7 for a fiscal year shall provide a #be-percent match through in-kind contributions or cash4 #e4 ,national strategy for encouraging people in the ,united ,states to be active outdoors 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjaf1 the ,president1 in cooperation with the heads of appropriate ,federal departments and agencies1 shall develop and issue a national strategy for encouraging people in the ,united ,states 7especially children1 youth1 and families7 to be physically active outdoors4 7b7 ,requirements ,the strategy developed under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 the identification of-- 7,a7 barriers to people in the ,united ,states 7especially children1 youth1 and families7 spending time outdoors2 and 7,b7 specific policy solutions to address the barriers identified under subparagraph 7,a72 7#b7 the identification of opportunities for partnerships with ,federal1 ,state1 tribal1 and local partners2 7#c7 the coordination of efforts among the heads of appropriate ,federal departments and agencies to address the impacts of people in the ,united ,states 7especially children1 youth1 and families7 spending less active time outdoors on-- 7,a7 public health1 including childhood obesity1 attention deficit disorders and stress2 7,b7 the future of conservation in the ,united ,states2 and 7,c7 the economy of the ,united ,states2 7#d7 the identification of ongoing research needs to document the health1 conservation1 economic1 and other outcomes of implementing the national strategy and ,state strategies2 7#e7 the coordination and alignment of the national strategy with ,state strategies2 and 7#f7 an action plan for implementing the national strategy at the ,federal level4 7c7 ,strategy development 7#a7 ,public participation ,throughout the process of developing the national strategy under this section1 the ,president-- 7,a7 may use1 incorporate1 or otherwise consider existing ,federal plans and strategies that1 in whole or in part1 contribute to connecting people in the ,united ,states1 especially children1 youth1 and families1 with the outdoors2 and 7,b7 shall provide for public participation1 including a national summit of participants with demonstrated expertise in encouraging individuals to be physically active outdoors in nature4 7#b7 ,updating the national strategy 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,president shall update the national strategy not later than #e years after the date on which the first national strategy is issued under subsection 7a71 and every #e years thereafter4 7,b7 ,requirements ,in updating the national strategy under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,president shall incorporate results of the evaluation under section #f4 #f4 ,national evaluation of health impacts ,the ,secretary1 in coordination with the ,secretary of ,health and ,human ,services1 shall-- 7#a7 develop recommendations for appropriate evaluation measures and criteria for a study of national significance on the health impacts of the national strategy and ,state strategies under this ,act2 and 7#b7 carry out the study under paragraph 7#a74 #g4 ,technical assistance and best practices ,the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 provide technical assistance to eligible entities and local partners under section #d through cooperative agreements with national organizations with a proven track record of encouraging people in the ,united ,states 7especially children1 youth1 and families7 to be physically active outdoors2 and 7#b7 disseminate best practices that emerge from strategies funded under this ,act4 #h4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this ,act-- 7#a7 #a1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjaf2 7#b7 #b1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjag2 and 7#c7 #c1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjah4 7b7 ,limitation ,of the amounts made available to carry out this ,act for a fiscal year1 not more than #e percent may be made available for carrying out section #g4 7c7 ,other funds ,funds made available under this ,act shall be used to supplement1 and not supplant1 any other ,federal1 ,state1 or local funds available for activities that encourage people in the ,united ,states 7especially children1 youth1 and families7 to be physically active outdoors4