119-HR-4284 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 4284 Small Cemetery Conveyance Act
A bipartisan bill to let the U.S. Forest Service give small, historic cemeteries on federal land to local governments, Tribes, and certain New Mexico community land grants at no cost—so long as the sites stay cemeteries—with a reversion clause and cost waivers; it advanced unanimously in committee and was taken up in the House on March 16, 2026 under the fast‑track “suspension” process typically used for broadly supported bills. (docs.house.gov)
Public Summary — Small Cemetery Conveyance Act (H.R. 4284)
1) Headline Summary: Lets the Agriculture Department transfer small, historically used cemetery parcels on National Forest System land—at no cost—to local governments, Indian Tribes, or certain New Mexico community land grants, with safeguards to keep them as cemeteries. (congress.gov)
2) What It Does: The bill amends the Small Tract Act of 1983 so the Secretary of Agriculture may convey, without payment, parcels used (or previously used) as cemeteries—up to 40 acres, plus up to one adjacent acre for related use—to a “qualified person” (state/local government, Indian Tribe, or a qualified land grant‑merced recognized under New Mexico law). Land must continue to operate as a cemetery or it can revert to the United States; the Secretary may waive certain conveyance costs based on demonstrated need. It also clarifies that nothing here alters the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA). (congress.gov)
3) Who’s For It:
- Lead sponsor: Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D‑NM). (congress.gov)
- Cosponsor: Rep. Jeff Hurd (R‑CO). (legilist.com)
- House Natural Resources Committee ordered the bill reported by unanimous consent on Dec. 17, 2025—signaling bipartisan support. (docs.house.gov)
- The bill was scheduled for House floor consideration on March 16, 2026 under “suspension of the rules,” a fast‑track procedure generally used for less controversial measures. (docs.house.gov)
4) Who’s Against It: No formal opposition was recorded at the committee markup (it advanced by unanimous consent). Potential concerns sometimes raised with similar public‑lands conveyances include: fragmenting federal lands, setting precedents for future transfers, or shifting long‑term maintenance costs to small local entities—even if the underlying goal (protecting community or Tribal burial grounds) is broadly supported. (docs.house.gov)
5) What’s Next: The House took up H.R. 4284 on March 16, 2026 under the suspension calendar; official status pages may still be updating. If/when House action is finalized and messaged, the bill moves to the Senate for referral and consideration. Track updates on Congress.gov and the House floor schedule. (congress.gov)
6) Why It Matters: The measure aims to help communities, Tribes, and New Mexico land grant‑merceds secure clear title to historic cemeteries located on federal land so they can maintain access, preserve cultural heritage, and manage upkeep—without paying for land the community already treats as a burial ground—while keeping federal protections like NAGPRA in place. (congress.gov)
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