II
113th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 421
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
February 28, 2013
Mr. Alexander (for himself, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Corker, and Mr. Paul) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works
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.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the
Freedom to Fish
Act
.
Restricted areas at corps of engineers dams
In general
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, 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.
Exclusion
For purposes of this Act, installing and maintaining sirens, strobe lights, and signage for alerting the public of hazardous water conditions shall not be considered to be an action to establish a restricted area under subsection (a).
Effective date
In general
Subject to paragraph (2), this section shall apply to an action described in subsection (a) on or after August 1, 2012.
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—
cease implementing the restricted area resulting from the action; and
remove any barriers constructed in connection with the restricted area.