United StatesGila County can get forest land with a timely written request and payment of transfer costs
Gila County can get a federal forest site for veterans’ services if it requests the land within 180 days of October 20, 2026, and pays transfer costs.
What it does
If Gila County asks in writing within 180 days of October 20, 2026, and pays transfer costs, the Agriculture Secretary must transfer about 233 acres of Tonto National Forest land to the county.
If the transfer happens, Gila County would pay no purchase price but must cover all transfer costs. Federal officials need not guarantee the land or buildings.
Gila County may use the transferred land only to serve and support military veterans. If it uses any part for another purpose, federal officials may take that land back.
Argument forVeterans could receive county support at the site if Gila County requests the transfer on time and covers its costs.
Argument againstGila County could face survey and review bills, while the federal government need not guarantee the land or buildings.
More detail
The Agriculture Secretary must transfer federal ownership of the site to Gila County. The site includes land and buildings on about 233 acres in Arizona’s Tonto National Forest. A survey will set the exact boundaries. Gila County must ask in writing and pay all transfer costs. The request must arrive no later than 180 days after October 20, 2026.
The Secretary must charge no purchase price, and Gila County must pay all transfer costs. Transfer costs include any needed survey and reviews required by federal law. The transfer must honor existing rights and use a deed that does not guarantee ownership. The Secretary may add terms to protect federal interests and need not give warranties for the land or buildings.
Gila County must use the transferred land only to serve and support military veterans. The rule applies to all land transferred to Gila County under this law. If the county uses any part for another purpose, the Agriculture Secretary may return that part to federal ownership.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 20Signed by President.Became Law
- Oct 20Became Public Law No: 119-126.Minor
- Oct 15Presented to President.To President
- Oct 14Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Sep 30Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5226)Passed Senate
- Sep 17Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Lee without amendment. Without written report.
- Sep 17Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 660.
- Feb 4Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 2025
- Feb 6Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Feb 5Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- Feb 5Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H480-481)
- Feb 5DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 837.
- Feb 5Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H480)Passed House
- Feb 5Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Jan 31Introduced in House
- Jan 31Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.Introduced
Veterans