2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED TO SENATEcompared with INTRODUCED IN SENATE (Feb 19, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The changes reflect the bill's progression through the Senate, adding calendar information and reporting details. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.

S. 638119th CongressIntroduced Feb 19, 2025

A bill to amend the Act of June 22, 1948.

Reported To SenatePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]
Committees: Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee (primary)
Last action: Oct 27, 2025

Bottom line

The bill broadens the criteria for land valuation in federal acquisitions under the Thye-Blatnik Act, potentially increasing compensation for landowners by allowing consideration of historical peak values.

What it actually does

This bill amends Section 5 of the Act of June 22, 1948, commonly known as the Thye-Blatnik Act, which governs land acquisitions by the Secretary of Agriculture. It changes the valuation standard for such acquisitions from "fair appraised value" to "highest fair appraised value, including historical fair appraised values," as determined by the Secretary.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this amendment ensures fairer compensation for landowners whose property is acquired by the federal government, especially in situations where current market values might not reflect the historical or peak value of the land. This change is seen as protecting property rights and providing more equitable treatment to individuals whose land is needed for public purposes.

Opponents contend

Opponents might contend that including historical fair appraised values could lead to inflated acquisition costs for the federal government, potentially increasing taxpayer burden. They may argue that current market value is the most appropriate standard and that considering historical values could make land conservation or expansion efforts more expensive and less efficient.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, making it very accessible for any reader to understand its core change quickly.

Section 1

Amendment to Thye-Blatnik Act Regarding Appraisals

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision modifies the existing Thye-Blatnik Act, which outlines how the Secretary of Agriculture acquires land. Previously, land was acquired based on its "fair appraised value." This amendment changes that standard to "highest fair appraised value, including historical fair appraised values." This means that when the federal government purchases land, the appraisal process must now consider not only the current market value but also potentially higher values the property may have held in the past, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupLandownersImpactPotentially increased compensation for land acquired by the Secretary of Agriculture.MechanismChange in appraisal methodology to include historical highest values.ScaleIndividual landowners affected by federal land acquisition.

GroupFederal Government (Department of Agriculture)ImpactPotentially increased costs for land acquisition.MechanismHigher appraisal values for acquired properties.ScaleFederal budget for land management and acquisition programs.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue this provision ensures landowners receive more equitable compensation, especially if current market conditions have depressed land values below their historical peaks. This prevents landowners from being disadvantaged or receiving less than fair value when their property is acquired for federal use.

Critics contend

Critics might contend that this change could lead to the federal government overpaying for land, as historical values may not accurately reflect current utility or market realities. This could increase the financial burden on taxpayers and potentially divert funds from other critical federal programs.

Tradeoffs

This provision navigates the tension between ensuring fair and robust compensation for private landowners during federal acquisition and managing the fiscal responsibility of the federal government. It prioritizes landowner benefit by expanding valuation criteria, potentially at the cost of increased federal expenditure.

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.