H.R. 1380 would require the Departments of Agriculture and the Interior to issue guidance to recognize certain recreational rock-climbing activities as allowable under federal law. The bill would direct the guidance to outline any requirements or conditions associated with the placement and maintenance of fixed anchors on federal land. (Fixed anchors are pieces of equipment—typically bolts with closed hooks—secured to a rock wall to facilitate a safe ascent or rappel when rock climbing.) The bill also would require the agencies to accept public comments related to the guidance.
Using information about the cost of issuing similar guidance, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 1380 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2024-2028 period; any spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated amounts.
