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S 384

RECOGNIZING Judea and Samaria Act

119th Congress Introduced by Tom Cotton and 1 co-sponsor

Bill S 384 gives the state the right to buy federal public land before it's sold, ensuring these lands remain for public use and benefit.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 384

Summary of Bill S 384

Title

Establishes a Right of First Refusal in the State for Federal Public Land to be Transferred

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: S 384
  • Status: Reported and Committed to Finance
  • Introduced On: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Legislative Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 384 aims to establish a right of first refusal for the state regarding the transfer of federal public land. This legislation is designed to give the state the opportunity to purchase federal lands before they are sold or transferred to private entities or other parties. The intent is to ensure that valuable public lands remain under state control and are used for public benefit.

Key Provisions

  • Right of First Refusal: The bill mandates that before any federal public land is sold or transferred, the state must be given the opportunity to purchase the land at a fair market value.
  • Notification Requirement: Federal authorities must notify the state of any intent to sell or transfer public land, providing a specified timeframe for the state to respond.
  • Assessment of Value: The bill outlines a process for determining the fair market value of the land, which may involve appraisals or other valuation methods.

Affected Parties

  • State Government: The primary beneficiary of this bill is the state government, which will gain the ability to acquire federal lands that may be critical for conservation, recreation, or other public uses.
  • Federal Agencies: Federal agencies managing public lands will be required to follow the notification and sale process outlined in the bill.
  • Private Entities: Businesses or individuals interested in acquiring federal land may face delays or restrictions due to the state's right of first refusal.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • January 08, 2025: The bill was introduced and referred to the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations.
    • May 28, 2025: The bill was reported out of committee and committed to the Finance Committee for further consideration.

Related Bills

This bill is connected to several prior-session bills, indicating ongoing legislative interest in the management of federal public lands:
- S 7869
- A 8797
- S 1729
- S 1822
- S 2775
- A 3096 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill S 384 represents a significant step towards enhancing state control over federal public lands by establishing a right of first refusal. By ensuring that the state has the first opportunity to acquire these lands, the bill seeks to promote public interest and preserve valuable resources for future generations. The bill is currently under consideration by the Finance Committee following its reporting from the initial committee.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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