Sponsor
French Hill
Representative · R-AR
Representative · R-AR
The bill funds a federally led, consultative study that could raise the profile and inform costs for preserving the Scipio A. Jones House, but it forbids federal land acquisition and may shift costs to taxpayers and local actors without guaranteeing federal protection.
Tribes, state and local governments, and preservation nonprofits will be formally consulted during the study, giving these stakeholders a clear role and ability to influence preservation options for the Scipio A. Jones House.
Taxpayers and federal budget planners gain clearer information because the study must identify cost estimates for any potential federal actions, helping Congress weigh costs before committing resources.
Local communities and preservation groups could benefit from a federal study that may lead to formal recognition and increased protection or awareness of the Scipio A. Jones House.
Taxpayers will pay for the federal study even though it does not guarantee any subsequent federal protection or funding for preservation.
Local governments and preservation groups lose a major option because the study explicitly forbids considering federal land acquisition, which could limit long-term federal protection or inclusion in the National Park System.
If the study recommends non-federal preservation solutions, local governments or nonprofits may face new or increased costs for maintaining, interpreting, or protecting the site.
Based on analysis of 3 sections of legislative text.
Requires the Interior Secretary to study the Scipio A. Jones House for national significance and historic-designation alternatives and report findings within three years after funding is available.
Official title: To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Scipio A. Jones House in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Introduced June 4, 2026 by French Hill · Last progress June 4, 2026
Directs the Secretary of the Interior to carry out a special resource study of the Scipio A. Jones House in Little Rock, Arkansas, to evaluate its national significance and options for historic designation or affiliation with the National Park System. The study must consider alternatives to full federal acquisition, consult relevant stakeholders (including Tribal, state, and local partners), provide cost estimates for any federal involvement, and report findings and recommendations to relevant congressional committees within three years after funding is available.