Some YouTubers and Instagram influencers recently found an unlikely champion in a Republican lawmaker.
Wyoming Sen. John Barrasso introduced a bill Friday that would waive fees and permits for content creators to film on federal public lands and in national parks.
鈥淭he FILM Act will streamline the permitting process for filming on public lands,鈥� Barrasso said in a . 鈥淚t gives outdoorsmen and women the ability to share their adventures without having to deal with burdensome red tape.鈥�
As it stands, a 2000 law says people who make money from videos or photographs taken on federal public lands have to get a permit and pay a fee to the government.
In fiscal year 2019, the National Park Service earned nearly $400,000 from these permits, . But in February, the agency suspended those requirements after a federal judge the original law was a violation of the First Amendment.
Diane Shober, executive director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism, says Barrasso鈥檚 legislation would update that law.
鈥淚t takes [fee requirements] away from the casual content producer or influencer as long as they are within certain guidelines,鈥� she said.
Under Barrasso's filmers would still need to obtain a permit if their production crew is bigger than 10 or if they are shooting in a way that disturbs wildlife, resources or other visitors.
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