National Park opens doors to private events—and shields itself from injury claims
H.R. 5254 — Gateway Partnership Act of 2025 · Filed by Wesley Bell (D-MO) · 2 cosponsors · Introduced Sep 10, 2025 · Passed chamber
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What it does
This bill allows the Secretary of the Interior to sign a five-year agreement with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation (a nonprofit partner of the park) to host private events in Gateway Arch National Park buildings, including the Visitor Center and Old Courthouse. The Foundation would pay fees to cover maintenance costs and all operational expenses, and the agreement includes liability insurance, federal liability waivers, and restrictions ensuring private events don't degrade the park or block public access.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core mechanism is a revenue-generating partnership allowing private events in a national park, but its most consequential provision is a blanket federal liability waiver that exempts the government from injury claims—a significant shift in legal accountability that is not apparent from the title.
What the text implies
- The federal liability waiver (Section 3(b)(4)) shields the government from all injury and death claims 'from any cause,' even if negligence by NPS staff or facility defects cause harm. This is a broad immunity that may conflict with tort law principles and reduces accountability for government-managed safety.
- The 'notwithstanding' language in Section 3(d)(2) allows the Secretary to recover 'all costs' including administrative and personnel expenses, potentially creating a profit center for the park if event fees exceed actual costs—blurring the line between cost recovery and revenue generation.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
Gateway Arch Park Foundation (nonprofit partner receiving exclusive event hosting rights)