Bills · HR 7255
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7255CaliforniaLand use and conservation
Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026
INTRO JAN 27· LAST ACTION JAN 27
READING
7MIN
COSPONSORS
2
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to improve environmental health and stewardship in the iconic Lake Tahoe Basin, a popular natural area. By allowing the Forest Service to use existing acquisition funds for direct land management, it ensures that these sensitive lands are not just preserved but actively cared for, addressing issues like forest health, water quality, and the impact of recreation. This could lead to a more resilient ecosystem in the face of climate change and increased tourism.
Moreover, the bill is significant for its explicit recognition of the Washoe Tribe, promoting more inclusive and culturally sensitive land management practices. It acknowledges the Tribe's heritage and potential to engage in indigenous management practices, which could bring valuable traditional ecological knowledge to conservation efforts. If this bill becomes law, it means a more coordinated, comprehensive, and culturally aware approach to managing the Lake Tahoe Basin; if it doesn't, management might remain more focused on acquisition without adequate resources for ongoing care, and the Washoe Tribe's involvement might be less formal and impactful.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Amends the Santini-Burton Act to explicitly include the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California in land acquisition consultation and allows for the transfer of acquired land to the Tribe.
This provision formally recognizes the Washoe Tribe's historical connection and gives them a direct role in land decisions affecting their ancestral homeland.
PROVISION 02
Expands the Forest Service's authority to use funds appropriated for land acquisition under the Act for land management activities on acquired lands and existing National Forest System lands within the Lake Tahoe Basin.
This allows for a more holistic approach to conservation, ensuring that lands are not just purchased but also actively maintained and restored.
PROVISION 03
Permits the transfer of these land management funds to state and local governments or the Washoe Tribe to carry out management activities on transferred lands.
This promotes collaborative conservation efforts and empowers local entities and the Tribe to manage lands under their care more effectively.
PROVISION 04
Requires the Forest Service to develop an annual spending plan for land management activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin, with mandatory consultation with the Washoe Tribe and other key stakeholders.
This ensures transparency, accountability, and broad input into how conservation funds are spent, aligning efforts with regional priorities.
PROVISION 05
Specifies included land management activities such as maintaining forest health, water quality, and explicitly preserving cultural sites and indigenous management practices.
This defines the scope of management efforts, emphasizing both ecological and cultural preservation, and legitimizes indigenous practices.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
I· California
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
23
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 2 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 27
Introduced in House
JAN 27
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7255
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 27, 2026
Last actionJan 27, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 27, 2026
House BillHR 7255CaliforniaLand use and conservation
Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026
INTRODUCED JAN 27, 2026· LAST ACTION JAN 27, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
7 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
