Scipio Jones House Assessment Act

Bill Number

H.R. 9148

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-04: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-06-29T06:35:37Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose This legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to perform a special resource study on the Scipio A. Jones House in Little Rock, Arkansas. The goal is to assess its historical value and explore options for its preservation and interpretation without any federal purchase of the property.

Key Provisions

• The study must evaluate the national significance of the house.
• It must determine whether the site is suitable and feasible for designation as a National Historic Landmark, an Affiliated Area of the National Park System, or as an addition to the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.
• The study must examine alternative ways for federal, state, local, tribal, or private groups to protect and interpret the site.
• The Secretary is required to consult with federal agencies, state and local governments, tribes, and private organizations.
• Cost estimates for any federal involvement in development, interpretation, operation, or maintenance must be identified.
• The study follows existing federal guidelines but explicitly excludes any options involving federal acquisition of land or property.
• A report with findings and recommendations must be submitted to Congress within three years after funding becomes available.

Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces a targeted study requirement under the general authority in title 54 of the U.S. Code. It adds a specific restriction that prevents the study from considering federal land acquisition, differing from the standard process that might otherwise include such options.

Potential Impacts

• The Department of the Interior and the National Park Service would need to allocate resources to complete the study and prepare the report.
• Local government entities and private owners in Little Rock, Arkansas, could see recommendations for future preservation efforts.
• No direct effects on citizens outside the study area or on international relations are outlined.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• The Secretary of the Interior and relevant congressional committees (House Natural Resources and Senate Energy and Natural Resources).
• State and local government entities in Arkansas.
• Tribal governments and private or nonprofit organizations with interest in the site.
• Individuals or groups connected to the Scipio A. Jones House.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The legislation operates within established historic preservation authority but limits federal involvement by barring land acquisition, which narrows the scope of potential outcomes. It creates no new regulatory authority or constitutional questions but requires coordination among multiple levels of government and private parties.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-04: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2026-06-04: Introduced in House
• 2026-06-04: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Scipio Jones House Assessment Act — issued 2026-06-04 — PDF (3 pages)