To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3187
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-16: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 295.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-11T01:39:15Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill (H.R. 3187) directs the Secretary of Agriculture, through the U.S. Forest Service, to transfer a small parcel of federal land to Perry County, Arkansas, at no cost, provided the county requests it and uses the land for public purposes such as education and youth development programs.
Key Provisions
- Conveyance Requirement: If Perry County submits a written request within 180 days of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must convey all U.S. ownership rights to the specified property.
- Property Description: The land is a 0.81-acre parcel (parcel 850-10555-001) located at 1069 Fourche Avenue, Perryville, Arkansas 72126, including any buildings or improvements. A survey approved by the Secretary will confirm the exact size and boundaries.
- Terms of Transfer:
- Subject to any pre-existing legal rights (e.g., easements or leases).
- Transferred via a quitclaim deed (a legal document that transfers ownership without guaranteeing clear title).
- No payment required from the county.
- Additional conditions may be added to protect U.S. interests.
- Costs: The county must cover all expenses, including surveys, environmental reviews under federal law, and compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (a law protecting historic sites).
- Environmental Rules: The Secretary is not required to provide assurances about environmental hazards on the property, unlike some standard federal transfers.
- Usage Restrictions: The land must be used only for public benefits, like supporting schools or youth programs.
- Reversion Clause: If the land stops being used for approved public purposes, the U.S. can reclaim it at the Secretary's discretion.
- Definitions: "County" refers to Perry County, Arkansas; "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture acting via the Forest Service Chief.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a targeted exemption for this specific transfer: It waives the usual federal requirement under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA, a law addressing hazardous waste cleanup) to include warranties about environmental conditions. Otherwise, it follows standard procedures for federal land conveyances but mandates this one without broader changes to Forest Service property laws.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Forest Service will lose control of a small, urban-adjacent parcel, potentially simplifying management but requiring oversight to ensure reversion conditions are met if needed.
- On Citizens: Local residents in Perry County could benefit from new public facilities for education or youth activities on the land, enhancing community services without taxpayer-funded acquisition costs.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as this is a domestic land transfer with no foreign elements.
- Broader Effects: Minimal; this is a localized action unlikely to affect national land policy or budgets significantly.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Perry County, Arkansas: Primary beneficiary, gaining free land for public use but responsible for costs and compliance.
- U.S. Forest Service (Department of Agriculture): Loses the property and must handle the transfer process, including surveys and reviews.
- Local Residents and Community Groups: Indirectly affected through potential improvements in education and youth programs in Perryville.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill streamlines a one-time property transfer while protecting U.S. interests through reversion and cost-shifting, reducing federal liability for environmental issues. It aligns with congressional authority over federal lands but is narrowly tailored to avoid precedent for widespread exemptions.
- Constitutional: No major concerns; it involves routine disposition of public lands under Article IV of the Constitution, which gives Congress power over federal property.
- Political: This is a non-controversial, district-specific bill (often called a "pork-barrel" measure for local benefits), passed by the House and awaiting Senate action. It highlights how Congress can address small-scale community needs without broad policy shifts.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-16: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 295.
- 2025-12-15: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-12-15: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 388 - 0 (Roll no. 336). (text: CR H5883) (Roll call 336)
- 2025-12-15: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 388 - 0 (Roll no. 336). (text: CR H5883) (Roll call 336)
- 2025-12-15: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5888-5889)
- 2025-12-15: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2025-12-15: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3187.
- 2025-12-15: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5883-5884)
- 2025-12-15: Mr. Stauber moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2025-09-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 248.
- 2025-09-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-292.
- 2025-09-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-292.
- 2025-07-15: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-07-15: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-07-15: Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
Bill Versions
- An Act To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-12-15 — PDF (6 pages)
- To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-05-05 — PDF (3 pages)
- An Act To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-12-16 — PDF (6 pages)
- To require the Secretary of Agriculture to convey a parcel of property of the Forest Service to Perry County, Arkansas, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-09-15 — PDF (6 pages)