To provide for the conveyance of certain property to the Utah National Guard located in Lehi, Utah, and for other purposes.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Owens, Burgess [R-UT-4]
- Committees
- Armed Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 20, 2026
Bottom line
H.R. 8384 facilitates the transfer of federal land to the Utah National Guard for military training and readiness, with the State of Utah bearing the associated costs and a federal reversionary interest.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Secretary of the Army to convey three specific parcels of federal land, including any improvements, to the Utah National Guard in Lehi, Utah. The conveyance is subject to existing easements and includes a reversionary clause, allowing the land to return to federal ownership if not used for National Guard training and readiness. The State of Utah is responsible for all conveyance costs, excluding environmental remediation, and cannot use federal funds for these costs.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this conveyance will enhance the operational capabilities and readiness of the Utah National Guard by providing dedicated land for training. They contend that transferring underutilized federal property to a state military entity for a clear public purpose is an efficient use of resources and strengthens national defense at the state level. The cost-recovery and reversionary clauses protect federal interests and taxpayers.
Opponents contend
Opponents might raise concerns about the precedent of conveying federal land, even to state entities, without a comprehensive review of alternative uses or broader federal land management strategies. While the bill includes cost recovery, some might argue that any federal land transfer should be subject to rigorous valuation to ensure fair compensation or public benefit, beyond the stated military purpose, especially if the land has potential for other public or economic uses.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and thorough review by any interested reader.
Section 1(a)
Authorization of Land Conveyance
This section authorizes the Secretary of the Army to transfer all federal ownership rights, including any buildings or structures, for three specific land parcels to the Utah National Guard in Lehi, Utah. This transfer is not absolute; it must respect any existing legal rights like easements or restrictions already on the property.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision is crucial for providing the Utah National Guard with necessary infrastructure and space to conduct essential training and readiness activities, directly supporting national defense objectives. It streamlines land management by placing property directly under the control of the entity that will use it for military purposes.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this type of provision when it involves transferring federal land to a state military entity for clear public use, especially with protective clauses for federal interests.
Tradeoffs
The primary tradeoff is the permanent transfer of federal land versus the enhanced operational capacity of a state military force. The bill balances this by ensuring the land's continued use for military purposes through a reversionary clause.
Section 1(c)
Reversionary Interest for Non-Compliance
This provision establishes a condition for the land transfer: if the Secretary of the Army determines that the conveyed property is no longer being used by the Utah National Guard for training and readiness activities, the land, along with any improvements, can revert back to the United States. The Secretary can make this determination after providing an opportunity for a hearing.
Section 1(d) and (e)
Payment of Conveyance Costs and Funding Limitation
These sections mandate that the State of Utah must cover all costs associated with the land conveyance, such as administrative fees, surveys, and due diligence, excluding environmental remediation. Furthermore, the State is explicitly prohibited from using any federal funds to pay these required costs, ensuring that the financial burden of the transfer falls solely on the State.