Complete America’s Great Trails Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4700
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Taxation
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-08: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-22T22:55:38Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create a new tax credit for qualified conservation contributions that include National Scenic Trails, with the goal of supporting the completion and protection of these trails.
Key Provisions
- National Scenic Trail Conservation Credit: A new section 30E allows a credit equal to the fair market value of eligible contributions for the taxable year.
- Definition of Eligible Contribution: The term covers qualified conservation contributions where the real property interest includes a National Scenic Trail or portion thereof and its trail corridor. The corridor is generally 50 feet wide on each side but can extend up to 2,640 feet.
- Valuation and Election Rules: Fair market value is determined similarly to existing conservation deductions, with reference to the property's highest and best use. The election is irrevocable, and no deduction is allowed for the same contribution.
- Credit Application and Carryforward: Business-related portions are treated as part of the general business credit; personal portions apply under subpart A. Unused credits may be carried forward for up to 10 years.
- Continued Use Allowance: Property may continue recreational or agricultural uses, including motor vehicles, if those uses do not impair conservation interests.
- Study Requirement: The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, must study the credit's effectiveness in expanding National Scenic Trails and evaluate options for making it refundable or transferable, with a report due to Congress within 4 years.
- Effective Date: Applies to contributions made after the date of enactment.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces a tax credit mechanism specifically for National Scenic Trail contributions, distinct from the existing charitable deduction rules under section 170(h). It modifies the definition of qualified real property interest by disregarding certain mineral interests and sets specific corridor width standards not previously required for general conservation contributions.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Increases administrative responsibilities for the Internal Revenue Service in processing credits and for the Department of the Interior in conducting the required study.
- On Citizens: Provides financial incentives for landowners to donate interests in property along trails, potentially reducing their tax liability.
- On International Relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Landowners and property holders near National Scenic Trails.
- Conservation organizations and trail management entities.
- Federal agencies including the Department of the Interior and the Department of the Treasury.
- Individual and business taxpayers claiming the credit.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The measure expands tax incentives for land conservation under Congress's authority to enact tax laws, with potential effects on federal revenue through credit claims. It includes a mandated study on credit modifications, which could inform future policy adjustments.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
Cosponsors (3)
Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-08: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 2026-06-08: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Complete America’s Great Trails Act — issued 2026-06-08 — PDF (7 pages)