H.R. 4284 Passed the House Public Lands and Natural Resources

Small Cemetery Conveyance Act

To amend the Small Tract Act of 1983 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to convey, without consideration, certain cemeteries, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed House
  4. Passed Senate
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Rep. Leger Fernandez, Teresa [D-NM-3] Introduced July 2, 2025 Cosponsors 1 (1 R) Latest action March 17, 2026

Summary

Small Cemetery Conveyance Act
This bill authorizes the Forest Service to convey, without a payment or exchange in land, a cemetery to a state government, local government, Indian tribe, or certain community land grant that has a bona fide interest or historic claim to the cemetery. This authorization applies to up to 40 acres of land that was used, or previously used, as a cemetery, including up to 1 acre adjacent to the land used as a cemetery. 
The conveyed land must continue to be used as a cemetery. If it is not used for that purpose, the Forest Service may revert the land and any improvements back to the United States. 
The Forest Service may waive certain conveyance costs upon the demonstrated need of a state government, local government, Indian tribe, or community land grant.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Mar 17, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
  2. Mar 16, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  3. Mar 16, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2510)
  4. Mar 16, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4284.
  5. Mar 16, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2510-2511)
  6. Mar 16, 2026 Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  7. Jan 14, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 389.
  8. Jan 14, 2026 Committee on Agriculture discharged.
  9. Jan 14, 2026 Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-454, Part I.
  10. Dec 17, 2025 Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
  11. Dec 17, 2025 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  12. Dec 17, 2025 Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged

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