Small Cemetery Conveyance Act

House Votes

This bill would let the Secretary of Agriculture transfer certain cemetery sites to eligible local governments, Tribes, or historic land grant communities at no cost, as long as the land is used only as a cemetery. It can include up to one acre next to the cemetery if needed. If the land is later used for something else, it can go back to the United States. The Secretary may also waive related transfer costs when there is a demonstrated need. These changes do not affect existing protections for Native American graves and remains.

Key points:

• Who is eligible: State or local governments, Indian Tribes, or qualified land grant-merced communities with a real interest or historic claim to the cemetery.
• What changes: The Secretary of Agriculture can give cemetery land (including up to one adjacent acre) at no cost, with a use-only-as-a-cemetery condition and a reversion back to the U.S. if misused.
• Costs: The Secretary can waive transfer costs based on need.
• Protections: Does not change the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.