Public Lands in Public Hands Act

House Bill

H.R. 718

119th Congress

Public Lands in Public Hands Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jun 27, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Gregory W. Meeks

Representative

Democratic

NY-5

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Emergency Management

Summary

The Public Lands in Public Hands Act would expand the definition of 'critical services' that can receive disaster relief funding. This means that after natural disasters, federal aid could be used to help rebuild things like trash collection, storm drainage systems, public housing, roads and bridges, and medical facilities.

Latest Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

SponsorGregory W. Meeks (D-NY)

Introduced6/27/2025

StatusReferred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.

ChamberHouse

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Vote Prediction

Public Lands in Public Hands Act

The Public Lands in Public Hands Act would expand the definition of 'critical services' that can receive disaster relief funding. This means that after natural disasters, federal aid could be used to help rebuild things like trash collection, storm drainage sy

Community Breakdown

Pass

0%

Fail

0%

0 predictions

The Public Lands in Public Hands Act would expand the definition of 'critical services' that can receive disaster relief funding. This means that after natural disasters, federal aid could be used to help rebuild things like trash collection, storm drainage systems, public housing, roads and bridges, and medical facilities.

Bill Number: 718
Sponsor: Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)
Introduced: 6/27/2025
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Policy Area: Emergency Management

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: Public Lands in Public Hands Act
Bill Number: 718
Sponsor: Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)
Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Introduced: 6/27/2025
Summary: The Public Lands in Public Hands Act would expand the definition of 'critical services' that can receive disaster relief funding. This means that after natural disasters, federal aid could be used to help rebuild things like trash collection, storm drainage systems, public housing, roads and bridges

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Public Lands in Public Hands Act would expand the definition of 'critical services' that can receive disaster relief funding. This means that after natural disasters, federal aid could be used to help rebuild things like trash collection, storm drainage systems, public housing, roads and bridges, and medical facilities.

Last updated: 12/30/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This bill expands the definition of <i>critical services</i> in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include solid waste management, stormwater management, public housing, transportation infrastructure, and medical care.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Expands the definition of 'critical services' eligible for disaster relief funding to include solid waste management, stormwater management, public housing, transportation infrastructure, and medical care
Allows federal disaster relief funds to be used for a wider range of infrastructure and public services beyond just emergency response and temporary shelter
Could provide more resources to communities to rebuild and recover after natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, or wildfires

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

If this bill becomes law, it would benefit communities across the United States that are impacted by natural disasters. By allowing disaster relief funds to be used for a broader range of critical services, it could help local governments and residents restore vital infrastructure and public services more quickly after events like hurricanes, floods, or wildfires.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Emergency Management

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

718, 119th Congress (2025). "Public Lands in Public Hands Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-718

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