119-HR-3187 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

Give Perry County, Arkansas a small, vacant Forest Service property in Perryville for community uses (like youth and extension programs), with safeguards that reclaim it for the U.S. if the county stops using it for public purposes. [1]Library of Congress — Congress.gov — Text of H.R. 3187 (Reported in House)[5]LegiStorm — LegiStorm — Rep. French Hill press release on Perry County property…

What It Does

The bill directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Forest Service) to transfer about 0.81 acres at 1069 Fourche Avenue in Perryville to Perry County by quitclaim deed, at no cost to the county. The county must cover surveying and any required environmental/historic reviews; the federal government gives no environmental warranty; and the land must be used for public purposes (for example, education and youth development). If that use stops, the Secretary of Agriculture may take the property back. [1]Library of Congress — Congress.gov — Text of H.R. 3187 (Reported in House)

Why It Matters

• Local impact: County officials say the vacant building could host the University of Arkansas Extension, the Conservation District, and 4‑H activities—uses that serve residents directly. [5]LegiStorm — LegiStorm — Rep. French Hill press release on Perry County property…[6]Association of Arkansas Counties — Association of Arkansas Counties — Article o…
• Taxpayer angle: Committee backers frame it as disposing of an unused federal asset while keeping a public‑purpose and reversion backstop to protect federal interests. [2]Library of Congress — House Report 119-292 on H.R. 3187 (Committee on Natural R…

Who’s For It

• Sponsor: Rep. J. French Hill (R‑AR). He argues the transfer repurposes an idle federal building for youth and community programs. [7]Library of Congress — Congress.gov — H.R. 3187 overview page[5]LegiStorm — LegiStorm — Rep. French Hill press release on Perry County property…
• House Natural Resources Committee: Reported the bill favorably by unanimous consent, highlighting community benefits and the reversion safeguard. [2]Library of Congress — House Report 119-292 on H.R. 3187 (Committee on Natural R…
• Local stakeholders: Perry County leaders and civic groups supporting uses like extension services and 4‑H programming. [6]Association of Arkansas Counties — Association of Arkansas Counties — Article o…

Who’s Against It

• No formal opposition on record in committee; the bill advanced without recorded dissent. [2]Library of Congress — House Report 119-292 on H.R. 3187 (Committee on Natural R…
• Potential concerns sometimes raised with similar transfers: whether taxpayers should receive fair‑market value instead of a free conveyance, and who bears any environmental risks—issues federal land agencies frequently flag in other conveyance debates. [8]U.S. Department of the Interior — U.S. Department of the Interior — Statement o…

What’s Next

Floor timing: The bill was scheduled for consideration under suspension of the rules during the week of December 15, 2025. After House action, the next step is Senate consideration. A Senate companion (S.3095) covering the same Perry County parcel is already on the Senate calendar, giving that chamber multiple paths to act. [3]U.S. House of Representatives — Docs.House.gov — Bills This Week (Week of Dec.…[9]U.S. House of Representatives — Docs.House.gov — Floor day listing for 2025-12-…[4]Library of Congress — Congress.gov — S.3095 (Senate companion for Perry County…