This bill, the "Sunscreen in Parks Findings Act of 2026" (SPF Act of 2026), directs the National Park Service (NPS) to prepare a report for the House Committee on Natural Resources. The report must be delivered not later than 1 year after the bill becomes law. It must outline options for providing mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen and other sun-protection methods at low or no cost in national parks. The bill lists possible options to study, including public-private partnerships, nonprofit partnerships, use of unobligated NPS funds, and any other feasible options. The report must address potential environmental impacts of sunscreen use in parks, whether supplied sunscreen works with all skin tones, and a plan to raise visitor awareness about sun protection. The report must also include legislative recommendations for Congress.
If you visit a national park, this bill could lead to studies and planning that explore giving visitors access to mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen or other sun-protection items at low or no cost. The bill itself does not create free sunscreen programs or require distribution; it only requires the NPS to report options and recommendations to Congress within one year of enactment.
No publicly available information. The bill text does not include cost estimates or authorize specific spending; it only requires the NPS to produce a report and offer recommendations.
Supporters point to findings in the bill that: skin cancer remains common; people of all skin colors can be harmed by sun exposure; sunscreen works best with other protections like shade and protective clothing; the FDA says broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 helps protect against skin cancer and aging; the NPS recommends nonnanosized, mineral-based sunscreens; surveys show many people could improve sun protection habits; some States already provide free sunscreen stations in State parks; and a 2022 George Mason University report recommended parks stock sunscreen and sun-protective clothing with signage on sun protection behaviors.
No publicly available information.