HEARD ON THE HILL: U.S. Rep. Mike Kennedy (UT) Introduces Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act

Written By ORBA-SEMA

HEARD ON THE HILL: U.S. Rep. Mike Kennedy (UT) Introduces Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act

U.S. Representative Mike Kennedy (UT) introduced H.R. 9221, the “Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act,” a bill that protects motorized trail access for individuals with disabilities and the broader OHV community. Rep. Kennedy’s bill serves as companion legislation to S. 2968, the “Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act,” from Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee Chairman Mike Lee (R-UT).



Yesterday, ORBA and SEMA met with Congressman Kennedy and members of his staff to discuss public land access, outdoor recreation, and the importance of ensuring America's public lands remain accessible to all Americans.




The Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act reflects an important principle: public lands should be accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities, wounded warriors, aging Americans, and others who may face mobility challenges when accessing outdoor recreation opportunities. 

For many Americans, access to public lands is about far more than recreation. The outdoors provides opportunities for connection, recovery, physical activity, conservation, and community engagement. This is especially true for many veterans, who often rely on outdoor recreation as a way to reconnect with family, friends, and fellow service members after military service.



Across the country, veterans participate in off-road recreation, overlanding, hunting, fishing, trail stewardship, adaptive recreation programs, and outdoor therapy initiatives. Ensuring reasonable access to public lands helps support these opportunities and strengthens the connection between Americans and the lands they own.



Through their ongoing advocacy efforts, ORBA and SEMA have supported policies that promote responsible recreation, public access, stewardship, and multiple-use management of public lands. The Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act represents another opportunity to improve access while maintaining responsible management and protection of natural resources.



The introduction of H.R. 9221 builds on the momentum and represents an important step toward advancing these discussions in both chambers of Congress.

ORBA appreciates Congressman Kennedy and his staff taking the time to meet with us and discuss these issues.



References
https://www.semahq.org/campaigns/expanding-motorized-outdoor-recreation-access

S. 2968 – Outdoor Americans with Disabilities Act-
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2968

H.R. 9221 – House Companion Legislation (Introduced June 9, 2026)-
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/9221‍ 

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Congressman Mike Kennedy Official Website
https://mikekennedy.house.gov/

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