US Federal Senate Bill SB277

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25
• Report Pass: 10/21/25

Caption

A bill to release a Federal reversionary interest and convey mineral interests in Chester County, Tennessee, and for other purposes.

Impact

The passage of SB277 would have particular implications for state land management and federal oversight concerning land use. By terminating the federal reversionary interest, the state might gain greater autonomy over the specified parcel, potentially impacting future decisions regarding land development, recreational use, or environmental conservation. Additionally, the bill allows for the conveyance of mineral rights associated with the state forest land, which could facilitate future economic opportunities linked to natural resource extraction in the area.

Summary

Senate Bill 277 is designed to address an encroachment issue involving a parcel of State forest land located in Chester County, Tennessee. The bill proposes to release a federal reversionary interest in a specific 0.62-acre area within Chickasaw State Forest, where a church has been found to be encroaching on state-owned land. This legislation aims to resolve the complications arising from this encroachment by allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to release federal interests without comprehensive assessments or compensations typically required for land transactions.

Contention

Notably, there may be varying opinions regarding the release of federal interests in state lands. Critics may express concerns about the potential for reduced federal oversight, which could lead to unregulated development or environmental degradation. Supporters, however, would likely argue that this local control is necessary to resolve specific community issues effectively, such as the encroachment situation, while making land use more manageable for local governance.

Congress_id

119-S-277

Introduced_date

2025-01-28