Tulare Youth Recreation and Women’s History Enhancement Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8913
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-01: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T13:27:25Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 8913
Purpose
This legislation authorizes the transfer of two specific land parcels in Tulare, California, from the Union Pacific Railroad to the City of Tulare. It also removes a long-standing federal claim on the land to enable the City to gain full ownership and make improvements to facilities used for youth recreation and a historic women's club.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: The bill defines key terms, including the "City" (Tulare, California), the "Map" (a specific 2015 map of the parcels), the "Parcels" (two railroad-related land areas), the "Secretary" (Secretary of the Interior), and the "Railroad" (Union Pacific Railroad).
- Extinguishment of Reversionary Interest: The United States relinquishes its reversionary interest (a retained federal claim) in the parcels, originally established under an 1866 federal law granting railroad rights-of-way. This action takes effect only after the Railroad transfers the parcels to the City.
- Documentation Requirements: The Secretary of the Interior must prepare a formal document to record the relinquishment in Tulare County records, referencing this Act and prior land instruments. The City covers any associated costs.
- Map and Access Protections: The referenced map is kept on file with the Bureau of Land Management for public viewing. The bill preserves all existing public and adjacent landowner access rights over the parcels.
- Surface Entry Conditions: The parcels remain subject to the same surface entry rules as those in a prior 1998 law (Public Law 105-195) affecting nearby lands.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
The bill modifies the effects of the 1866 Act by removing the federal reversionary interest in these two parcels, similar to the blanket removal applied to surrounding parcels under Public Law 105-195 in 1998. No other broad changes to federal land or railroad laws are made.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Bureau of Land Management and the Department of the Interior would handle recording the federal relinquishment, with minimal ongoing involvement.
- On Citizens: The City could improve and restore the youth recreation facility and women's club site, enhancing local access to these amenities without federal land restrictions.
- On International Relations: No impacts are indicated, as this is a domestic land conveyance.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The City of Tulare, California (primary beneficiary seeking clear title).
- Union Pacific Railroad (current owner seeking to sell the parcels).
- U.S. Department of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management (responsible for executing the federal relinquishment).
- Local residents, youth groups, and women's history organizations using the facilities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
This is a targeted federal land action that extinguishes a historical property interest without broader precedent or constitutional challenges noted in the text. It aligns with prior congressional actions on similar railroad parcels and focuses solely on enabling local improvements while maintaining access rights.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22]
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-01: Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 2026-06-24: Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 2026-05-19: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2026-05-19: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-19: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Tulare Youth Recreation and Women’s History Enhancement Act — issued 2026-05-19 — PDF (4 pages)