HR7162-119

What This Bill Does

This bill amends title 40 section 5106 to create a commercial filmmaking and photography permit process for the United States Capitol Grounds. Despite existing restrictions on commercial activity, the Chief of the United States Capitol Police may issue permits for appropriate commercial filming and photography on Capitol grounds other than Capitol Buildings, but only during periods when neither the House nor the Senate is in session. The Chief may require fees to cover Architect of the Capitol costs. Activities and fees are appropriate only if similar to commercial activity and fees allowed in Union Square before jurisdiction transferred to the Architect of the Capitol. Fees must be transferred immediately to the Capitol Trust Account. The Chief must administer the permit program under regulations promulgated by the Capitol Police Board, and the Board must consult with the House Administration Committee and Senate Rules and Administration Committee. The bill defines Union Square and makes a conforming Capitol Trust Account amendment.

Who Benefits and How

Commercial film producers, photographers, documentary crews, location managers, and tourism or media companies benefit from a lawful path to use outdoor Capitol grounds for paid filming or photography when Congress is not in session. The United States Capitol Police and Architect of the Capitol benefit from fee authority to recover costs. The Capitol Trust Account benefits from deposited permit fees. Congressional administration committees benefit from consultation on regulations governing commercial access.

Who Bears the Burden and How

United States Capitol Police staff must review permit applications, enforce session-time restrictions, collect and transfer fees, and coordinate security. Architect of the Capitol staff may incur reimbursable costs related to permitted activity. The Capitol Police Board must write regulations in consultation with congressional committees. Filmmakers and photographers must pay fees, follow permit terms, avoid Capitol Buildings, and schedule around congressional sessions. Capitol grounds visitors may face temporary access management during permitted shoots.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes Capitol Police permits for appropriate commercial filming and photography on outdoor Capitol grounds.
• Limits permitted activity to periods when neither the House nor the Senate is in session.
• Allows permit fees to cover Architect of the Capitol costs using Union Square fee precedent.
• Requires collected fees to be transferred to the Capitol Trust Account.
• Requires Capitol Police Board regulations after consultation with House and Senate administration committees.
• Excludes Capitol Buildings from the commercial filming and photography authority.