Bill would let Sacramento landowners buy out old federal land claim
Signed into lawH.R. 952Latest action
Sponsor: Doris O. Matsui · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 952 lets Sacramento landowners pay to clear a leftover 1862 federal land claim on their property.
45-second read · 5 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill addresses about 8.43 acres in Sacramento, California, where the federal government still holds a "reversionary interest" dating to an 1862 railroad land grant law. It requires the Bureau of Land Management to remove that claim within two years if a landowner requests it and pays fair market value plus related costs. Existing railroad rights-of-way are unaffected, and no new possession-based property rights are created.
Who does it affect?
This affects property owners within the specific 8.43-acre area of Sacramento who want clear title to their land. It does not affect landowners outside that defined area.
Why does it matter?
The change would resolve a legal technicality that lets the federal government theoretically reclaim privately used land under old conditions, giving affected owners unclouded ownership.
What does it cost, and who pays?
- Landowner pays fair market value
- Plus survey, admin costs
- Funds go to federal land account
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Read the official bill on Congress.govNo call to make
This is law.
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedFeb 4, 2025
- House committee
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: the president signed it. It's law.Now law
Latest action: — Signed by President.