Small Cemetery Conveyance Act

House Bill

H.R. 4284

119th Congress

Small Cemetery Conveyance Act

Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.

Introduced:Dec 17, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Teresa Leger Fernandez

D - NM

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Summary

This bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer small cemetery parcels on National Forest land—including up to 1 acre of adjacent land—to state/local governments, Indian Tribes, or New Mexico land grant communities without requiring payment. The land must continue to be used as a cemetery, and if used for other purposes, it reverts to federal ownership.

Latest Action

Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer small cemetery parcels on National Forest land—including up to 1 acre of adjacent land—to state/local governments, Indian Tribes, or New Mexico land grant communities without requiring payment. The land must continue to be used as a cemetery, and if used for other purposes, it reverts to federal ownership.

Last updated: 12/26/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Authorizes free conveyance of cemetery parcels (up to 40 acres) on Forest Service land
Eligible recipients: state/local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, NM land grants
Includes up to 1 acre adjacent to cemetery in conveyance
Land reverts to federal government if used for non-cemetery purposes
Secretary may waive survey and appraisal costs for qualified recipients
Preserves Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act requirements

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill primarily impacts Indian Tribes, New Mexico land grant communities (mercedes), and rural communities with historic cemeteries on National Forest land. Families with ancestors buried in these cemeteries would benefit from local control ensuring continued access and maintenance. It affects communities in states with significant Forest Service land who have cultural or historical ties to these burial grounds.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Related Subjects

Cemeteries and funerals

Land transfers

Land use and conservation

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

4284, 119th Congress (2025). "Small Cemetery Conveyance Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-hr-4284