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Bill

HR 841

To amend title 54, United States Code, to prohibit the acquisition of land, water, or an interest in land or water from a private landowner using amounts made available under the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

119th Congress Introduced by Jodey Arrington

HR 841 prohibits states from using Land and Water Conservation Fund money to buy land or water from private owners, ensuring funds are for public land only.

Introduced in House
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Bill Summary · HR 841

Summary of HR 841

Bill Number: HR 841
Title: To amend title 54, United States Code, to prohibit the acquisition of land, water, or an interest in land or water from a private landowner using amounts made available under the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Status: Introduced in House
Introduced Date: January 31, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HR 841 is to amend existing legislation regarding the use of funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). Specifically, the bill seeks to prohibit states from using financial assistance provided under this fund to acquire land, water, or interests in land or water from private landowners. This measure aims to clarify the intended use of LWCF resources and restrict their application to public land acquisitions only.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces the following amendments to Title 54 of the United States Code:

  1. Prohibition on Acquisition from Private Landowners:

    • Section 200305 Amendment: A new provision is added stating that any state receiving financial assistance from the Secretary of the Interior under this section cannot use such funds for acquiring land, water, or interests in land or water from private landowners.

  2. Clarification on Fund Usage:

    • Section 200306(b) Amendment: This section is amended to explicitly state that appropriations from the LWCF may not be utilized for acquisitions from private landowners.

Impact

Who Would Be Affected

  • State Governments: States that receive financial assistance from the LWCF will be directly impacted, as they will need to adjust their funding strategies and acquisition plans to comply with the new restrictions.
  • Private Landowners: The bill may limit opportunities for private landowners to sell their land or water rights to state entities using LWCF funds, potentially affecting their financial interests.
  • Conservation Efforts: The bill could influence how conservation projects are funded and executed, as states may need to seek alternative funding sources for private land acquisitions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Committee Referral: Upon introduction, HR 841 was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources for further consideration.
  • Timeline: The bill was introduced on January 31, 2025, and is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.

Conclusion

HR 841 represents a significant shift in the management of the Land and Water Conservation Fund by restricting its use for private land acquisitions. This bill aims to ensure that public funds are used solely for public land conservation efforts, thereby potentially reshaping the landscape of land management and conservation funding at the state level.

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

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