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Redesignates subtitle I (16 U.S.C. 3871 et seq.) as subtitle J.
Amends section 1201(a) to update a cross-reference to the new subtitle lettering and to replace paragraph (14) with a definition of 'Indian Tribe' that incorporates the meaning in 25 U.S.C. 5304; also effectuates related plural/singular wording changes across Title XII.
Strikes specified text from section 1231A(a)(3)(C).
In section 1241(e)(1), replaces the reference to 'subtitle I' with 'subtitle J'.
Modifies section 1244 by striking specified text in subsection (b)(1)(A)(ii) and updating a cross-reference in subsection (d) from 'I.' to 'J.'.
Repeals Title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (the Healthy Forests Reserve Program) (16 U.S.C. 6571 et seq.).
Strikes subparagraph (D) of 16 U.S.C. 3871a(1) (which listed the Healthy Forests Reserve Program as a 'covered program') and inserts new text replacing that subparagraph to reference the Forest Conservation Easement Program.
Makes technical changes to the Food Security Act of 1985 (renaming subtitles, updating cross-references, and defining “Indian Tribe”) and repeals Title V of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 while protecting existing contracts and payments tied to that title. It preserves authority to use previously allocated funds (including Commodity Credit Corporation funds for FY2019–FY2024) and allows the Secretary of Agriculture to use Forest Conservation Easement Program funds to complete obligations under existing contracts. The bill is primarily administrative and transitional: it updates statutory language, prevents disruption of ongoing conservation easement contracts and payments, and makes conforming edits to affected statutes and tables of contents.
Redesignate subtitle I (16 U.S.C. 3871 et seq.) of Title XII of the Food Security Act of 1985 as subtitle J.
Insert new material immediately after subtitle H (16 U.S.C. 3865 et seq.) of Title XII (text of insertion shown as a placeholder in the section: ".").
Amend section 1201(a) (16 U.S.C. 3801(a)) by changing the introductory matter to read "subtitles A through J:" instead of "subtitles A through I:".
In section 1201(a), strike existing paragraph (14) and insert a new paragraph (14) defining "Indian Tribe" to have the meaning given in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
Amend Title XII by replacing occurrences of a particular phrase (text not shown in the provision) with "Indian Tribes" where specified in subsection (2)(A) of the amendment text.
Primary near-term impacts: landowners, farmers, and participants in Forest Conservation Easement Program contracts will see continuity — existing contracts, payments, and technical assistance previously authorized under the repealed Title V are preserved and can be fulfilled using previously allocated funds. That reduces the risk of disrupted payments or terminated agreements. Indian Tribes gain an explicit statutory definition, which can clarify eligibility, administrative processing, and program communications where tribal status matters.
For the Department of Agriculture and program administrators, the bill reduces legal uncertainty by making conforming edits and by authorizing the use of designated funds to complete outstanding obligations. This reduces the administrative workload that would otherwise arise from unwinding or renegotiating contracts after a statutory repeal.
Fiscal and program effects are limited: the measure does not create large new appropriations and relies on existing funding authorities (including Commodity Credit Corporation and Forest Conservation Easement Program funds) to meet current obligations. Long-term policy effects depend on whether Congress restores or replaces the repealed Title V authorities later; as written, the repeal removes the statutory basis for future actions under that Title V while preserving past commitments.
Potential risks or considerations: if there are more outstanding obligations than anticipated, agencies may need to prioritize limited program dollars. Clarifying the term "Indian Tribe" may require agencies to update guidance and records to reflect the statutory definition.
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Introduced March 13, 2025 by Kirsten Gillibrand · Last progress March 13, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Introduced in Senate