New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2785
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-21: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-27T08:06:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose The legislation establishes a framework for improved cooperation between federal land management agencies and qualified land grant-mercedes in New Mexico. It focuses on facilitating historical or traditional noncommercial uses of federal public lands by these community land grants, which originated under Spanish or Mexican law.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "qualified land grant-merced" (community land grants recognized under New Mexico law with historical ties to federal land), "community user" (heirs of such grants), "historical or traditional use" (activities like small-scale gathering of herbs/wood, grazing, subsistence hunting/fishing, and maintenance of monuments or cemeteries), and "Secretary concerned" (Secretary of Agriculture or Interior).
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Requires the relevant Secretary to enter into an initial MOU with the New Mexico Land Grant Council within two years, with provisions for renewal or extension. The MOU must address permit requirements, fee reductions or waivers based on socioeconomic factors, vehicle and equipment use, routine maintenance, major improvements, and consultation with affected Indian Tribes.
- Land Use Planning: Directs agencies to evaluate impacts on these traditional uses when updating plans under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act and National Forest Management Act.
- Fee Considerations: Agencies must account for the financial capacity of land grant communities when setting or waiving permit fees.
- Limitations: The MOU does not authorize new uses or override existing federal laws, regulations, or valid rights.
Significant Changes to Existing Law This Act introduces new procedural requirements for coordination and planning but does not alter core federal land management statutes. It adds specific obligations for MOUs and land use plan reviews without modifying treaty rights, state authority over water or wildlife, or existing permits.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service must develop and implement MOUs, potentially adjusting permitting processes and incorporating new planning considerations, which may increase administrative workload.
- Citizens: Community users of land grants could experience streamlined access to traditional activities through clearer processes and possible fee relief.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Qualified land grant-mercedes, their governing bodies, and community users in New Mexico.
- The New Mexico Land Grant Council.
- Federal agencies (Department of Agriculture and Department of the Interior).
- Indian Tribes (through required consultation).
- The State of New Mexico.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill explicitly preserves all existing rights, including those of Indian Tribes, state regulatory authority, and valid federal land uses, while avoiding creation of new legal entitlements. It emphasizes compliance with federal laws and land use plans, potentially reducing conflicts over historical land uses without raising constitutional issues.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3]
Cosponsors (1)
Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-21: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-05-12: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 2025-04-09: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-04-09: Introduced in House
- 2025-04-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- New Mexico Land Grant-Mercedes Historical or Traditional Use Cooperation and Coordination Act — issued 2025-04-09 — PDF (16 pages)