Technical corrections only. The enrolled version (v5) of H.R. 952 includes minor formatting adjustments and corrects a typographical error in Section 2(e) from 'reversionary inter est' to 'reversionary interest'. No substantive policy changes were made between v4 and v5.
Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7]
- Committees
- Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Oct 22, 2026
This analysis was written for v4 (REPORTED TO SENATE, Jul 23, 2026). ENROLLED BILL changed too little to need its own, so it reuses that one rather than a rewrite. The differences between the two are summarized above. View v4
Bottom line
This bill facilitates the transfer of specific federal reversionary interests in Sacramento land parcels to their current private owners, clarifying property rights and generating revenue for federal land disposal activities.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Bureau of Land Management, to convey the United States' reversionary interest in approximately 8.43 acres of land in Sacramento, California, to the current owner of record. The conveyance will occur upon the owner's request and payment of fair market value, along with all associated administrative costs. Proceeds from the sale are to be deposited into the Federal Land Disposal Account.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this legislation resolves complex historical property interests, removes a federal encumbrance on private land, and allows for clearer title and potential development or improved use by current landowners. They also highlight that the bill ensures fair compensation to the federal government for the interest conveyed, with proceeds directed to support other federal land management activities.
Opponents contend
Opponents might contend that conveying federal interests, even reversionary ones, could be perceived as a divestment of public assets, potentially at an undervalued price if appraisal processes are not sufficiently rigorous. While this bill is specific, some critics might express concern about setting a precedent for similar conveyances of federal interests.
The bill is exceptionally concise and clearly written, making it very accessible for a reader to understand its provisions and implications within a short timeframe.
Section 2
Conveyance of United States Interest in Certain Land
This section mandates the Secretary of the Interior (through the Bureau of Land Management) to convey all reversionary interests the U.S. holds in approximately 8.43 acres of land in Sacramento, California, to the current owner of record. The conveyance is contingent upon the owner's request and payment of fair market value, determined by an appraisal conducted according to federal standards, plus all associated costs. The funds generated from these sales are to be deposited into the Federal Land Disposal Account.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential for resolving long-standing title complexities for landowners, allowing them to fully utilize and manage their property without federal encumbrance. They emphasize that the requirement for fair market value and payment of all costs ensures the federal government is appropriately compensated, with funds directed to support other critical land management activities.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that while this specific conveyance appears minor, it represents a divestment of federal assets, and the appraisal process must be rigorously overseen to ensure true fair market value is obtained. Concerns could be raised about the potential for undervaluation, even with specified appraisal standards, given the unique nature of reversionary interests.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire to clear private property titles and remove federal encumbrances with the federal government's responsibility to manage its assets prudently and receive fair compensation for any interests conveyed. It seeks to resolve historical ambiguities while adhering to fiscal responsibility.
Section 3
Preservation of Right-of-Way and Non-Validation of Adverse Claims
This section clarifies that the Act does not diminish the existing right-of-way associated with the covered land, specifically ensuring that the Southern Pacific Transportation Company's right-of-way remains at least 50 feet on each side of its main track. Furthermore, it explicitly states that the Act does not validate or confirm any claims to the land arising from adverse possession, prescription, or abandonment, unless such claims were already confirmed by a conveyance from the Southern Pacific Transportation Company before the Act's enactment.
Specifies that proceeds from the sale of the reversionary interest will be deposited into the Federal Land Disposal Account, established by section 206(a) of the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act (43 U.S.C. 2305(a)), and used in accordance with that Act.
Section 2(f)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to integrate new revenue streams into existing federal financial frameworks rather than creating new, specific accounts for minor transactions. It leverages established mechanisms for efficiency.
Case for: Supporters argue this ensures efficient use of funds by directing them to an established account dedicated to federal land management, supporting other land acquisition, conservation, or disposal activities as defined by existing law.
Case against: Critics might argue that the specific use of funds is not transparent within the bill itself, requiring external research to fully understand how the money will ultimately be spent, which could obscure the full financial impact or beneficiaries.
Estimated impact: The impact is limited to the fair market value of the reversionary interest in approximately 8.43 acres of land, likely a modest sum, which will incrementally contribute to the overall Federal Land Disposal Account for its designated purposes.