,i #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #chgi ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,july #bc1 #bjai,ms4 ,haaland 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,curtis1 ,mr4 ,gallego1 ,mr4 ,stewart1 ,ms4 ,de,gette1 ,mr4 ,simpson1 ,mr4 ,neguse1 ,mr4 ,gianforte1 ,mrs4 ,dingell1 and ,mr4 ,la,malfa7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources1 and in addition to the ,committee on ,agriculture1 for a period to be subsequently determined by the ,speaker1 in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned ,a ,,bill ,to modify the procedures for issuing special recreation permits for certain public land units1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,simplifying ,outdoor ,access for ,recreation ,act or the ,,soar ,act4 #b4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,associated agency ,the term associated agency means the ,federal land management agency1 other than the lead agency1 that manages a public land unit that is the subject of a single joint special recreation permit under section #g7;a74 7#b7 ,federal land management agency ,the term ,federal land management agency has the meaning given the term in section #hjb of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhja74 7#c7 ,lead agency ,with respect to a single joint special recreation permit application submitted under section #g7;a71 the term lead agency means the ,federal land management agency designated to administer the single joint special recreation permit under section #g7;a77#b74 7#d7 ,long-term special recreation permit ,the term long-term special recreation permit means-- 7,a7 for a public land unit managed by the ,forest ,service1 a priority use permit2 and 7,b7 for a public land unit managed by the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 a multiyear special recreation permit4 7#e7 ,multijurisdictional trip ,the term multijurisdictional trip means a trip that-- 7,a7 uses #b or more public land units2 and 7,b7 is under the jurisdiction of #b or more ,federal land management agencies4 7#f7 ,public land unit ,the term public land unit means-- 7,a7 a unit of the ,national ,forest ,system2 7,b7 a unit of the ,national ,park ,system2 7,c7 a unit of the ,national ,wildlife ,refuge ,system2 7,d7 a district of the ,bureau of ,land ,management2 and 7,e7 a project of the ,bureau of ,reclamation4 7#g7 ,secretary concerned ,the term ,secretary concerned means-- 7,a7 the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 with respect to a public land unit described in paragraph 7#f77;,a72 and 7,b7 the ,secretary of the ,interior1 with respect to a public land unit described in subparagraph 7,b71 7,c71 7,d71 or 7,e7 of paragraph 7#f74 7#h7 ,special recreation permit ,the term special recreation permit has the meaning given the term in section #hjb of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhja74 #c4 ,special recreation permit and fee 7a7 ,definitions ,section #hjb of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhja7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#a71 by striking section #c7;f7 and inserting #hjc7;f72 7#b7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking section #c7;g7 and inserting section #hjc7;g72 7#c7 in paragraph 7#f71 by striking section #e and inserting section #hje2 7#d7 in paragraph 7#i71 by striking section #e and inserting section #hje2 7#e7 in paragraph 7#ab71 by striking section #g and inserting section #hjg2 7#f7 in paragraph 7#ac71 by striking section #c7;h7 and inserting section #hjc7;h72 7#g7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a71 7#c71 7#d71 7#e71 7#f71 7#g71 7#h71 7#i71 7#aj71 7#aa71 and 7#ac7 as paragraphs 7#ae71 7#a71 7#c71 7#d71 7#e71 7#f71 7#g71 7#h71 7#aa71 7#aj71 and 7#ad71 respectively1 and moving the paragraphs so as to appear in numerical order2 7#h7 by inserting after paragraph 7#h7 7as so redesignated7 the following3 7#i7 ,recreation service provider ,the term recreation service provider means an individual or entity that-- 7,a7 provides outfitting1 guiding1 or other recreation services2 or 7,b7 conducts recreational or competitive events1 including incidental sales4 2 and 7#i7 by inserting after paragraph 7#ab7 the following3 7#ac7 ,special recreation permit ,the term special recreation permit means-- 7,a7 with respect to the ,forest ,service1 an outfitting and guiding special use permit2 7,b7 with respect to the ,national ,park ,service1 a commercial use authorization for outfitting and guiding issued under-- 7i7 this ,act2 or 7ii7 section #ajaibe of title #ed1 ,united ,states ,code2 7,c7 with respect to the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service1 a special use permit for recreational1 sport fishing1 or hunting outfitting and guiding2 7,d7 with respect to the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 a special recreation permit for commercial outfitting and guiding2 and 7,e7 with respect to the ,bureau of ,reclamation1 a use authorization for guiding1 outfitting1 or other recreational services4 4 7b7 ,special recreation permit and fee ,section #hjc of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhjb7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#e71 by striking section #d7;d7 and inserting section #hjd7;d72 and 7#b7 by striking subsection 7h7 and inserting the following3 7h7 ,special recreation permit and fee 7#a7 ,special recreation permit ,the ,secretary may issue a special recreation permit for specialized individual or group uses of ,federal recreational lands and waters1 including-- 7,a7 for outfitting1 guiding1 or other recreation services2 7,b7 for recreation or competitive events1 which may include incidental sales2 7,c7 for the use of-- 7i7 a special area2 or 7ii7 an area in which use is allocated2 7,d7 for motorized recreational vehicle use2 and 7,e7 for a group activity or event4 7#b7 ,special recreation permit fee 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may charge a special recreation permit fee in connection with the issuance of a special recreation permit under paragraph 7#a74 7,b7 ,fees for certain lands 7i7 ,in general ,subject to clauses 7ii7 and 7iii71 a special recreation permit fee under subparagraph 7,a7 for use of ,federal recreational lands and waters managed by the ,forest ,service1 the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 the ,bureau of ,reclamation1 or the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service shall not exceed the difference between-- 7,i7 the sum of-- 7aa7 #c percent of the annual gross revenue of the recreation service provider for all activities authorized by the special recreation permit2 and 7bb7 any applicable revenue addition2 and 7,,ii7 any applicable revenue exclusion4 7ii7 ,exclusion of certain revenues and payments ,in calculating the amount of a fee for a special recreation permit under clause 7i71 the ,secretary concerned shall exclude-- 7,i7 revenue from goods1 services1 souvenirs1 merchandise1 gear1 food1 and activities provided or sold by a special recreation permit holder in a location other than the ,federal recreational lands and waters covered by the permit1 including transportation costs1 lodging1 and any other service before or after a trip2 and 7,,ii7 revenue from any recreational services provided by a special recreation permit holder for activities on ,federal recreational lands and waters for which a separate permit is issued4 7iii7 ,alternative per-person fee 7,i7 ,in general ,for ,federal recreational lands and waters managed by the ,forest ,service1 the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 the ,bureau of ,reclamation1 or the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service1 the ,secretary may charge a per-person fee in connection with the issuance of a special recreation permit under paragraph 7#a74 7,,ii7 ,amount of fee ,the total amount charged by the ,secretary in connection with the issuance of a special recreation permit under paragraph 7#a7 using a per-person fee under subclause 7,i7 shall be comparable to the amount the ,secretary may charge for a special recreation permit fee under subparagraph 7,a7 and clauses 7i7 and 7ii74 7iv7 ,effect ,nothing in this subparagraph affects any fee for a commercial use authorization for use of ,federal recreational lands and waters managed by the ,national ,park ,service4 7,c7 ,disclosure of fees ,a special recreation permit holder may inform customers of any fee charged by the ,secretary under this section4 7#c7 ,reports 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall make available to holders of special recreation permits under paragraph 7#a7 and the public an annual report describing the use of fees collected by the ,secretary under paragraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,requirements ,the report under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include a description of how the fees are used in each public land unit 7as defined in section #b of the ,,soar ,act7 administered by the ,secretary1 including an identification of the amounts used for specific activities within the public land unit4 4 7c7 ,use of special recreation permit revenue ,section #hjh of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhjg7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a77#c77;,f71 by striking section #f7;a7 and inserting section #hjf7;a72 7#b7 in subsection 7d71 by striking section #e each place it appears and inserting section #hje2 7#c7 by redesignating subsections 7b7 through 7d7 as subsections 7c7 through 7e71 respectively2 and 7#d7 by inserting after subsection 7a7 the following3 7b7 ,use of special recreation permit fee revenue ,revenue from a special recreation permit fee may be used for-- 7#a7 the purposes described in subsection 7a72 and 7#b7 expenses-- 7,a7 associated with processing applications for special recreation permits2 and 7,b7 incurred in the improvement of the operation of the special recreation permit system4 4 7d7 ,permanent authorization ,section #haj of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhji7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,the authority and inserting the following3 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the authority 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7b7 ,applicability ,subsection 7a7 shall not apply to-- 7#a7 section #hjb2 7#b7 subsection 7d77#b7 or 7h7 of section #hjc2 or 7#c7 subsection 7a7 or 7b7 of section #hjh4 4 #d4 ,permitting process improvements 7a7 ,in general ,to simplify the process of the issuance and renewal of special recreation permits and reduce the cost of administering special recreation permits1 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7#a7 not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act-- 7,a7 evaluate the special recreation permitting process2 and 7,b7 identify opportunities-- 7i7 to eliminate duplicative processes2 7ii7 to reduce costs2 and 7iii7 to decrease processing times2 and 7#b7 not later than #ahj days after the date on which the ,secretary concerned completes the evaluation and identification processes under paragraph 7#a71 revise1 as necessary1 relevant agency regulations and policy statements to implement the improvements identified under paragraph 7#a77;,b74 7b7 ,environmental reviews 7#a7 ,in general ,in issuing or renewing a special recreation permit1 the ,secretary concerned may1 in compliance with the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47-- 7,a7 use a programmatic environmental review2 and 7,b7 adopt or incorporate material from a previous environmental impact statement or environmental assessment4 7#b7 ,rulemaking ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall promulgate such regulations as are necessary to carry out this subsection4 7c7 ,categorical exclusions 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7,a7 evaluate whether #a or more additional categorical exclusions developed in compliance with the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 would reduce processing times or costs for the issuance or renewal of special recreation permits without significantly affecting the human environment2 and 7,b7 if the ,secretary concerned determines under subparagraph 7,a7 that #a or more additional categorical exclusions would reduce processing times or costs for the issuance or renewal of special recreation permits without significantly affecting the human environment-- 7i7 establish those categorical exclusions in compliance with the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq472 and 7ii7 revise relevant agency regulations and policy statements to implement those categorical exclusions4 7#b7 ,administration 7,a7 ,in general ,in administering a categorical exclusion established under paragraph 7#a77;,b71 the ,secretary concerned shall comply with the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq47 7including regulations promulgated pursuant to that ,act74 7,b7 ,extraordinary circumstances ,in determining whether to use a categorical exclusion established under paragraph 7#a77;,b71 the ,secretary concerned shall apply the extraordinary circumstances procedures described in-- 7i7 section #aejh4d of title #dj1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or a successor regulation72 and 7ii7 as applicable-- 7,i7 section #bbj4f of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or a successor regulation72 and 7,,ii7 section #df4bae of title #dc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations 7or a successor regulation74 7d7 ,needs assessments ,except as required under subsection 7c7 or 7d7 of section #d of the ,wilderness ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aacc71 the ,secretary concerned shall not conduct a needs assessment as a condition of issuing a special recreation permit for a public land unit under this ,act4 7e7 ,online applications ,the ,secretary concerned shall make applications for special recreation permits available to be completed and submitted online unless the ,secretary concerned determines that making applications for special recreation permits available to be completed and submitted online would not improve the efficiency or accessibility of the permitting process4 #e4 ,permit flexibility 7a7 ,similar activities ,the ,secretary concerned shall establish a permit administration protocol that authorizes1 to the maximum extent practicable1 a permittee issued a special recreation permit for a public land unit under section #hjc7;h7 of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhjb7;h77 to engage in a recreational activity that is substantially similar to the specific activity authorized under the special recreation permit1 if the substantially similar recreational activity-- 7#a7 is comparable in type1 nature1 scope1 and ecological setting to the specific activity authorized under the special recreation permit2 7#b7 does not result in a greater impact on natural and cultural resources than the authorized activity2 and 7#c7 does not adversely affect any other permittee issued a special recreation permit for a public land unit under that subsection4 7b7 ,voluntary return of surplus service days ,the ,secretary concerned shall establish a program to allow a permittee issued a special recreation permit for a public land unit to voluntarily and temporarily return to the ,secretary concerned #a or more surplus service days1 to be made available to any other existing or potential permittee4 7c7 ,forest ,service and ,bureau of ,land ,management temporary special recreation permits 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary concerned shall establish and implement a program to authorize the issuance of temporary special recreation permits for new or additional recreational uses of ,federal recreational land and water managed by the ,forest ,service and the ,bureau of ,land ,management4 7#b7 ,term of temporary permits ,a temporary special recreation permit issued under paragraph 7#a7 shall be issued for a period of not more than #b years4 7#c7 ,conversion to long-term permit ,if the ,secretary concerned determines that a permittee under paragraph 7#a7 has completed #b years of satisfactory operation under the permit proposed to be converted1 the ,secretary may provide for the conversion of a temporary special recreation permit issued under paragraph 7#a7 to a long-term special recreation permit4 7#d7 ,effect ,nothing in this subsection alters or affects the authority of the ,secretary to issue a special recreation permit under subsection 7h77#a7 of section #hjc of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhjb74 #f4 ,permit administration 7a7 ,permit availability 7#a7 ,notification of permit availability 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subparagraphs 7,b7 and 7,c71 if the ,secretary concerned has determined that the ,department of ,agriculture or the ,department of the ,interior1 as applicable1 is able to issue new special recreation permits to recreation service providers seeking to use a public land unit1 the ,secretary concerned shall publish that information on the website of the agency that administers the relevant public land unit4 7,b7 ,exception for certain permits ,with respect to a public land unit managed by the ,forest ,service or the ,bureau of ,land ,management1 subparagraph 7,a7 shall apply only to a long-term special recreation permit for the public land unit4 7,c7 ,exception for renewals and reissuances ,subparagraph 7,a7 shall not apply to-- 7i7 a renewal or reissuance of an existing special recreation permit2 or 7ii7 a new special recreation permit issued to the purchaser of a recreation service provider that is the holder of an existing special recreation permit4 7,d7 ,effect ,nothing in this paragraph creates a prerequisite to the issuance of a special recreation permit or otherwise limits the authority of the ,secretary concerned-- 7i7 to issue a new special recreation permit2 or 7ii7 to add a new or additional use to an existing special recreation permit4 7#b7 ,updates ,the ,secretary concerned shall ensure that information published on the website under this subsection is consistently updated to provide current and correct information to the public4 7#c7 ,electronic mail notification ,the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7,a7 establish a system by which potential special recreation permit applicants may subscribe to receive notification of the availability of special recreation permits by electronic mail2 and 7,b7 direct employees of the ,department of ,agriculture or the ,department of the ,interior1 as applicable1 to use that system to notify the public of the availability of special recreation permits4 7b7 ,permit application acknowledgment ,not later than #fj days after the date on which the ,secretary concerned receives an application for a special recreation permit for a public land unit1 the ,secretary concerned shall-- 7#a7 provide to the applicant notice acknowledging receipt of the application2 and 7#b7 7,a7 issue a final decision with respect to the application2 or 7,b7 provide to the applicant notice of a projected date for a final decision on the application4 #g4 ,permits for multijurisdictional trips 7a7 ,single joint special recreation permits 7#a7 ,in general ,in the case of a multijurisdictional trip1 the ,federal land management agencies with jurisdiction over the multijurisdictional trip may offer to the applicant a single joint special recreation permit that authorizes the use of each public land unit under the jurisdiction of those ,federal land management agencies4 7#b7 ,lead agency ,in offering a single joint special recreation permit under paragraph 7#a71 the applicable ,federal land management agencies shall designate a lead agency for administering the single joint special recreation permit based on the following considerations3 7,a7 ,the length of the multijurisdictional trip and the relative portions of the multijurisdictional trip on each public land unit4 7,b7 ,the congressional or administrative designations that apply to the areas to be used during the multijurisdictional trip and the degree to which those designations impose limitations on recreational use4 7,c7 ,the relative ability of the ,federal land management agencies with jurisdiction over the multijurisdictional trip to respond to the single joint special recreation permit application in a timely manner4 7,d7 ,other relevant administrative considerations4 7#c7 ,application ,an applicant desiring to be offered a single joint special recreation permit under paragraph 7#a7 shall submit to the lead agency an application1 as required by the lead agency4 7#d7 ,option to apply for separate permits ,an applicant for a special recreation permit for a multijurisdictional trip may apply to each applicable ,federal land management agency for a separate permit for the portion of the multijurisdictional trip on the public land unit managed by each applicable ,federal land management agency4 7b7 ,requirements ,in issuing a single joint special recreation permit under subsection 7a71 the lead agency shall-- 7#a7 coordinate with each associated agency1 consistent with the authority of the ,secretary concerned under section #ccj of the ,department of the ,interior and ,related ,agencies ,appropriations ,act1 #bjja 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #agjc71 to develop and issue #a joint permit that covers the entirety of the multijurisdictional trip2 7#b7 in processing the joint special recreation permit application1 incorporate the findings1 interests1 and needs of the associated agency2 7#c7 in issuing the joint special recreation permit1 clearly identify the agencies that have the authority to enforce the terms1 stipulations1 conditions and agreements of the joint special recreation permit1 as determined under subsection 7d72 and 7#d7 complete the permitting process within a reasonable timeframe4 7c7 ,cost recovery ,the coordination with the associated agency under subsection 7b7 shall not be subject to cost recovery4 7d7 ,enforcement authority 7#a7 ,delegation of authority to lead agency ,in administering a single joint special recreation permit under subsection 7a71 the associated agency shall delegate to the lead agency the authority-- 7,a7 to enforce the terms1 stipulations1 conditions1 and agreements of the joint special recreation permit1 as may be required by the regulations of the ,secretary of the associated agency2 and 7,b7 to suspend1 terminate1 or revoke the joint special recreation permit for-- 7i7 noncompliance with ,federal1 ,state1 or local laws and regulations2 7ii7 noncompliance with the terms of the joint special recreation permit2 or 7iii7 failure of the holder of the joint special recreation permit to exercise the privileges granted by the joint special recreation permit4 7#b7 ,retention of authority by the associated agency ,the associated agency shall retain the authority to enforce the terms1 stipulations1 conditions1 and agreements in the joint special recreation permit that apply specifically to the use occurring on the public land unit managed by the associated agency4 7e7 ,withdrawal 7#a7 ,in general ,the lead agency or an associated agency may withdraw from a joint special recreation permit at any time4 7#b7 ,issuance of separate permits 7,a7 ,in general ,in the case of a withdrawal by #a or more agencies under paragraph 7#a71 if the holder of the joint special recreation permit is in compliance with the requirements of the joint special recreation permit1 the lead agency and each associated agency shall issue to the holder of the joint special recreation permit a new1 separate special recreation permit for any use occurring on the public land unit managed by the agency4 7,b7 ,requirements ,a special recreation permit issued under subparagraph 7,a7 shall contain the same or substantially similar terms1 conditions1 and operating stipulations as the joint special recreation permit from which an agency has withdrawn under paragraph 7#a74 7,c7 ,no new application ,the holder of a joint special recreation permit from which an agency has withdrawn under paragraph 7#a7 shall not be required to submit a new application for a separate special recreation permit under subparagraph 7,a74 #h4 ,forest ,service permit use reviews 7a7 ,in general ,if the ,secretary of ,agriculture 7referred to in this section as the ,secretary7 conducts a special recreation permit use review in renewing a special recreation permit or adjusting allocations of use in a special recreation permit1 the ,secretary shall-- 7#a7 take into consideration the performance of the special recreation permit holder during the reviewed period2 and 7#b7 if the special recreation permit holder receives a satisfactory performance review1 allocate to the special recreation permit holder the highest level of actual annual use during the period under review plus #be percent of that use1 not to exceed the level allocated to the special recreation permit holder on the date on which the special recreation permit was issued4 7b7 ,additional capacity 7#a7 ,in general ,if additional use capacity is available1 the ,secretary may1 at any time1 assign the remaining use to #a or more qualified recreation service providers4 7#b7 ,assignment not subject to cap on use ,notwithstanding subsection 7a71 in assigning additional use capacity under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary may assign additional use capacity to an existing special recreation permit holder even if that assignment would exceed the amount of use allocated to the special recreation permit holder on the date on which the special recreation permit was issued4 7c7 ,waiver ,the ,secretary may waive a special recreation permit use review for any period during which use of the assigned capacity has been prevented by a circumstance beyond the control of the special recreation permit holder1 such as-- 7#a7 unfavorable weather2 7#b7 fire2 7#c7 natural disaster2 7#d7 wildlife displacement2 7#e7 business interruption2 7#f7 insufficient availability of hunting and fishing licenses2 or 7#g7 significant seasonal variability or off-peak periods within the allocated period of use4 7d7 ,approval of non-,use 7#a7 ,in general ,in any circumstance for which the holder of a special recreation permit would qualify for a waiver under subsection 7c71 on request of the holder of the special recreation permit1 the ,secretary may approve non-use by the holder of the special recreation permit without reducing the number of service days assigned to the special recreation permit4 7#b7 ,reallocation of use ,the ,secretary may assign any period of non-use approved under paragraph 7#a7 to another qualified recreation service provider4 #i4 ,liability 7a7 ,in general ,to the extent authorized by applicable ,state law1 the ,secretary concerned shall authorize a permittee issued a special recreation permit for a public land unit under section #hjc7;h7 of the ,federal ,lands ,recreation ,enhancement ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fhjb7;h77 to require a client of the permittee to sign a form that-- 7#a7 releases the permittee and any agents1 employees1 and other persons affiliated with the permittee from liability for ordinary negligence that arises out of or in connection with the authorized activities of the permittee2 7#b7 requires the client to indemnify and hold harmless the permittee and any agents1 employees1 and other persons affiliated with the permittee for any injury or damages the permittee may sustain as a result of any claim other than gross negligence that is caused by or arises out of or in connection with the involvement of the client in the authorized activities of the permittee2 7#c7 releases the ,united ,states and any agents1 employees1 and contractors of the ,united ,states from liability for ordinary negligence that arises out of or in connection with the authorized activities of the permittee2 and 7#d7 requires the client to indemnify and hold harmless the ,united ,states and any agents1 employees1 and contractors of the ,united ,states for any injury or damages the ,united ,states or any agents1 employees1 and contractors of the ,united ,states may sustain as a result of any claim other than gross negligence that is caused by or arises out of or in connection with the involvement of the client in the authorized activities of the permittee4 7b7 ,requirements ,a form under subsection 7a7-- 7#a7 shall not preclude claims of gross negligence against the permittee2 7#b7 shall not eliminate the obligation of the permittee to indemnify the ,united ,states unless the permittee is a recreation service provider that meets the requirements of paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 of subsection 7c72 7#c7 shall not affect the ability of the ,united ,states to recover as an additional insured under any insurance policy obtained by the permittee in connection with the authorized activities of the permittee2 7#d7 shall identify the ,state under the laws of which-- 7,a7 the form1 including any waiver or release1 shall be enforced2 and 7,b7 any claim or cause of action1 whether in tort or in contract1 relating to or arising out of the form shall be governed2 and 7#e7 may be subject to review and approval by the ,secretary concerned to ensure that the requirements of this subsection and subsection 7a7 are met4 7c7 ,indemnification by government entities ,the ,secretary concerned may not require a recreation service provider to indemnify the ,united ,states as a condition for issuing a special recreation permit for a public land unit under this ,act if-- 7#a7 the recreation service provider is prohibited by ,state or local law from providing indemnification to the ,united ,states2 and 7#b7 the recreation service provider-- 7,a7 carries the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage required by the issuing agency for the activities conducted under the special recreation permit2 or 7,b7 is self-insured for the same amount4 #aj4 ,cost recovery reform 7a7 ,revision of regulations 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of ,agriculture shall revise section #bea4eh of title #cf1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 and the ,secretary of the ,interior shall revise subsections 7e7 and 7f7 of section #bicb4ca of title #dc1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 to be consistent with this section4 7#b7 ,limitation ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of ,agriculture and the ,secretary of the ,interior shall not include anything in the revised regulations that would limit the authority of the ,secretary concerned to issue or renew special recreation permits4 7b7 ,de minimis exemption from cost recovery 7#a7 ,in general ,any regulation promulgated by the ,secretary of the ,interior or the ,secretary of ,agriculture to establish fees to recover the costs of processing an application for a special recreation permit or monitoring an authorization under a special recreation permit shall include an exemption providing that fees may not be recovered for not less than the first #ej hours of work necessary in any #a year to process the application or monitor the authorization4 7#b7 ,multiple applications ,in situations involving multiple applications for special recreation permits for similar services in the same public land unit or area that1 in the aggregate1 require more hours to process than are exempt under the regulations promulgated under paragraph 7#a71 the ,secretary of the ,interior or the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 as applicable1 shall1 regardless of whether the applications are solicited or unsolicited and whether there is competitive interest-- 7,a7 determine the share of the aggregate quantity of hours to be allocated to each application on an equal or prorated basis1 as appropriate2 and 7,b7 for each application1 apply a separate exemption as specified in the regulations promulgated under paragraph 7#a7 to the share of the aggregate hours allocated to the application4 7c7 ,cost reduction ,to the maximum extent practicable1 the agency processing an application for a special recreation permit shall use existing studies and analysis to reduce the quantity of work and costs necessary to process the application4 #aa4 ,extension of special recreation permits 7a7 ,in general ,subject to subsection 7b71 if the holder of a long-term special recreation permit makes a timely and sufficient request for renewal of the long-term special recreation permit1 the expiration of the permit shall be tolled in accordance with the undesignated matter following section #eeh7;c77#b7 of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 until such time as the request for renewal has been finally determined by the ,secretary concerned4 7b7 ,limitation ,any tolling under subsection 7a7 shall be for a period of not more than #e years4 7c7 ,responsibility of the ,secretary concerned ,before allowing the expiration of a permit to be tolled under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary concerned1 to the maximum extent practicable1 shall complete the renewal process4