2 versions

SubstantiveWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (May 22, 2025)

A substantive modification to the bill. v2 narrows the permissible uses for the conveyed federal land, specifying public safety, public works, and recreational access, and introduces a new reversion clause allowing the land to return to federal ownership if used for unauthorized purposes. These changes add conditions and restrictions to the land conveyance.

S. 1860119th CongressIntroduced May 22, 2025

Brian Head Town Land Conveyance Act

Reported To SenatePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Jul 23, 2026

Bottom line

This bill transfers a small parcel of federal forest land to a Utah town for public infrastructure and recreation, with a safeguard against misuse.

What it actually does

This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to convey approximately 24 acres of National Forest System land within the Dixie National Forest to Brian Head Town, Utah. The conveyance is without monetary consideration and is specifically for the town to develop public safety infrastructure, public works facilities, and expand public recreational access. It also includes a reversion clause, allowing the land to return to federal ownership if used for unauthorized purposes.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue this conveyance is essential for Brian Head Town to meet its growing public safety, public works, and recreational needs. They contend that transferring this specific parcel, which is within the town's boundary, will allow for critical local infrastructure development and enhance public access and opportunities for residents and visitors, without imposing a financial burden on the town.

Opponents contend

Opponents, if any, might argue against the general principle of conveying National Forest System land without consideration, citing concerns about the permanent loss of federal land and potential precedents. While the bill specifies public uses and includes a reversion clause, some may worry about the long-term implications for federal land management and the potential for future development that might not align with broader conservation goals.

The bill is short and clear, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its provisions quickly.

Section 2(b)

Conveyance of Federal Land to Brian Head Town

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture transfer approximately 24 acres of National Forest System land, located within the Dixie National Forest, to Brian Head Town, Utah. The transfer will occur without any monetary payment from the town to the federal government. The land is specifically designated for the development and expansion of public safety infrastructure, public works facilities, and to increase public recreational access and opportunities within the town.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupBrian Head Town, UtahImpactReceives ownership of federal land for public use.MechanismDirect land conveyance from the Secretary of Agriculture.Scale24 acres

GroupResidents and visitors of Brian Head TownImpactBenefits from improved public safety, public works, and recreational facilities.MechanismDevelopment of infrastructure on the conveyed land.ScaleLocal community and tourism

GroupU.S. Forest Service / Dixie National ForestImpactRelinquishes control and ownership of 24 acres of National Forest System land.MechanismMandated conveyance by federal law.ScaleMinor reduction in total forest land

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this conveyance is crucial for Brian Head Town's growth and ability to provide essential services and recreational amenities to its community and tourists. They emphasize that the land is needed for specific public purposes and that the transfer will enable local control over local development priorities.

Critics contend

Critics might express concern over the precedent of conveying federal land without consideration, arguing that it diminishes the public land base. They may suggest that federal land should remain under federal management unless there is a compelling, broadly beneficial reason for transfer, and that alternative solutions should be explored.

Tradeoffs

This provision balances the local community's need for land to develop public services and recreation against the broader principle of maintaining federal ownership of National Forest System lands. The 'without consideration' aspect highlights a tradeoff between direct financial compensation for federal assets and facilitating local public benefit.

Section 2(d)

Reversion Clause for Unauthorized Use

mentioned in summarymoderately complex

This provision establishes a condition for the land conveyance: if Brian Head Town uses the conveyed federal land for any purpose not authorized by the bill (i.e., not for public safety, public works, or public recreation), the land may revert to the United States. Before such a reversion, the Secretary of Agriculture must consult with the State of Utah, notify the town of the nonconforming use, offer a hearing, provide public notice and comment, and give the town a reasonable chance to correct the unauthorized use.

FOUND

The conveyance of the 24 acres of National Forest System land to Brian Head Town, Utah, is to occur 'without consideration'.

Section 2(b)

Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for land transfers intended to benefit a public entity without requiring a purchase price.

Case for: Supporters argue that conveying the land without consideration is appropriate because the land is intended for public use (public safety, public works, and recreation) by the town. Requiring payment would burden the town financially and potentially delay or prevent the development of essential public services.

Case against: Critics might argue that conveying federal assets without any financial consideration represents a loss of potential revenue for the federal government or the public trust. They might contend that even for public purposes, some form of compensation or exchange should be considered to reflect the value of federal land.

Estimated impact: The federal government foregoes any potential revenue from the sale of approximately 24 acres of National Forest System land.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

SubstantiveWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (May 22, 2025)

See full diff

S. 1860119th CongressIntroduced May 22, 2025

Brian Head Town Land Conveyance Act

Reported To SenatePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Committees: Energy and Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Jul 23, 2026

Bottom line

This bill transfers a small parcel of federal forest land to a Utah town for public infrastructure and recreation, with a safeguard against misuse.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is short and clear, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its provisions quickly.

Section 2(b)

Conveyance of Federal Land to Brian Head Town

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupBrian Head Town, UtahImpactReceives ownership of federal land for public use.MechanismDirect land conveyance from the Secretary of Agriculture.Scale24 acres

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

Section 2(d)

Reversion Clause for Unauthorized Use

mentioned in summarymoderately complex

FOUND

The conveyance of the 24 acres of National Forest System land to Brian Head Town, Utah, is to occur 'without consideration'.

Section 2(b)

Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for land transfers intended to benefit a public entity without requiring a purchase price.

Estimated impact: The federal government foregoes any potential revenue from the sale of approximately 24 acres of National Forest System land.