Technical corrections only. The changes between v4 and v5 are limited to updated legislative status information in the headers and footers, reflecting the bill's progression to an enrolled version, and minor formatting adjustments to paragraph indentation. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's content.
To remove restrictions from a parcel of land in Paducah, Kentucky.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Comer, James [R-KY-1]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 11, 2026
Bottom line
This bill facilitates the transfer of a specific federal land parcel in Paducah, Kentucky, to a local Boys & Girls Club by removing prior federal deed restrictions while imposing new, more specific conditions to ensure public or recreational use.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to remove all existing deed restrictions, including easements and covenants, from a 3.62-acre parcel of land in Paducah, Kentucky, that was previously conveyed to the City of Paducah by the United States. The removal of these restrictions is conditional, requiring that the City of Paducah can only transfer or sell the land to the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club of Paducah. Furthermore, any new use or development of the parcel must continue to be compatible with public use or recreation purposes.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill enables a valuable community asset, the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club, to acquire land that can be used for public and recreational purposes, directly benefiting the youth and broader community of Paducah. They contend it streamlines the process for local control and development of the property for a beneficial cause, overcoming previous federal restrictions that might have hindered such development.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that removing federal restrictions on previously conveyed land could set a precedent for other land transfers, potentially reducing federal oversight on how public assets are utilized. They might also question the specificity of the transfer conditions, suggesting it unduly favors one private entity over others, even if that entity is a non-profit, potentially bypassing a more open or competitive process for land disposition.
The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions by any informed reader.
Section 1(a) through 1(d)
Removal and Conditional Re-restriction of Paducah Land Deed
This provision mandates the Secretary of the Interior to eliminate all existing deed restrictions, including easements, exceptions, reservations, terms, conditions, and covenants, on a 3.62-acre parcel of land in Paducah, Kentucky. This parcel was originally conveyed by the United States to the City of Paducah in 2012. However, the bill simultaneously imposes new conditions: the City can only transfer this land to the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club of Paducah, and if the Club later decides to sell, they must first offer it back to the Secretary without cost. Additionally, any future use of the land must remain consistent with public or recreational purposes.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is a targeted solution to enable a local community organization, the Oscar Cross Boys & Girls Club, to acquire and utilize land for beneficial public and recreational purposes, overcoming previous federal restrictions that might have hindered such development. They emphasize the community benefit and the careful re-restriction to ensure public utility.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that this provision creates a specific carve-out for one organization, potentially bypassing a more open or competitive process for land disposition. They could argue that while the intent is good, the mechanism sets a precedent for direct, conditional transfers to specific non-profits, which might not always be the most equitable or transparent approach for federal land assets.
Tradeoffs
The bill balances the desire to facilitate local community development and support a specific non-profit with the principle of maintaining federal oversight and ensuring broad public benefit from previously federal land. It trades general federal restrictions for highly specific, targeted conditions.