Brian Head Town Land Conveyance Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1860
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-17: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Brian Head Town Land Conveyance Act (S. 1860) aims to transfer approximately 24 acres of federal land within the Dixie National Forest to Brian Head Town, Utah, for local public use, such as a public works facility or other community needs. This facilitates the town's development while adjusting federal forest boundaries.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- Federal land: Refers to about 24 acres of National Forest System land in the Dixie National Forest, including any structures or improvements on it, as shown on a specific map dated April 28, 2025.
- Secretary: The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service.
- Town: Brian Head Town, Utah.
- Conveyance Process: The Secretary must transfer full ownership (right, title, and interest) of the federal land to the town as soon as possible after the bill becomes law. The transfer is free (without payment) but may include conditions set by the Secretary to protect federal interests.
- Use of Land: The town can use the land for a public works facility (e.g., infrastructure like water treatment or roads) or any other purposes it deems necessary.
- Boundary Adjustment: Upon transfer, the Secretary must update the boundaries of the Dixie National Forest to exclude the conveyed land.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a targeted exception to federal land management laws by mandating the free conveyance of specific National Forest System land to a local government. It does not alter broader statutes like the Federal Land Policy and Management Act but creates a one-time adjustment to federal ownership in this area, removing the land from national forest jurisdiction.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Forest Service will lose administrative control over 24 acres, potentially simplifying local land use but requiring minor updates to forest management plans and maps. No major budgetary or operational disruptions are anticipated.
- Citizens: Residents of Brian Head Town gain access to land for community projects, which could improve local services like utilities or recreation without taxpayer costs to the town. Broader U.S. citizens may see negligible effects, as the land is small and locally focused.
- International Relations: None; this is a domestic land transfer with no foreign policy implications.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary: Brian Head Town, Utah (direct beneficiary for land use and development).
- Secondary: U.S. Forest Service and Department of Agriculture (lose federal control but gain boundary clarity); local Utah residents and businesses (potential users of improved public facilities).
- Others: Utah state government and congressional representatives (e.g., Senators Lee and Curtis, who introduced the bill), who support local economic and infrastructure needs.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The conveyance is authorized under congressional plenary power over federal lands (per Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution), ensuring a straightforward title transfer without eminent domain issues. Any Secretary-imposed conditions must align with federal property laws to avoid challenges.
- Constitutional: No significant concerns; it respects federalism by empowering local governance over transferred public land.
- Political: As a bipartisan, Utah-specific bill referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, it highlights congressional support for localized land disposals to address community growth. It may set a precedent for similar small-scale transfers in rural areas but is unlikely to spark controversy due to its limited scope.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-17: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2025-12-02: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
- 2025-05-22: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-05-22: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Brian Head Town Land Conveyance Act — issued 2025-05-22 — PDF (3 pages)