The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act extends payments to states and counties containing federal lands through FY2026, with provisions for FY2024 and FY2025. It extends authority for county-initiated projects using these funds through FY2028 and extends resource advisory committee project authority through FY2028. These payments compensate for lost timber revenue from federal lands.
Latest Action
Signed by President.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act extends payments to states and counties containing federal lands through FY2026, with provisions for FY2024 and FY2025. It extends authority for county-initiated projects using these funds through FY2028 and extends resource advisory committee project authority through FY2028. These payments compensate for lost timber revenue from federal lands.
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill extends and modifies the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, including by</p><ul><li>extending payments made to states and counties containing federal land through FY2026,</li><li>providing for payments for FY2024 and FY2025,</li><li>extending the authority of counties to initiate projects using such funds through FY2028, and</li><li>extending the authority to initiate projects proposed by resource advisory committees through FY2028.</li></ul>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Extends federal land payments through FY2026
Provides payments for FY2024 and FY2025
Extends county project authority through FY2028
Extends resource advisory committee authority through FY2028
Compensates for lost timber revenue
Supports rural schools and roads in forest counties
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Rural counties with large amounts of federal forest land historically received revenue from timber sales. As timber harvesting declined on federal lands, these counties lost significant funding for schools and roads. The Secure Rural Schools program provides replacement payments but requires periodic reauthorization. This extension ensures continued support for rural communities dependent on these funds while counties pursue other revenue sources.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Related Subjects
Advisory bodies
Education programs funding
Intergovernmental relations
Rural conditions and development
State and local finance
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
356, 119th Congress (2025). "Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-356
