Senate backs bill to coordinate state requests for federally managed public lands

The Senate passed First Substitute Senate Bill 158, a bill directing state coordination of applications under federal law that allow states to request transfers of federally managed public lands for recreation and public‑purpose use.

Sponsor Senator Stratton said the federal statute permits up to 30,000 acres per state to be requested and that the bill creates a mechanism for the state to gather existing requests, track them and provide support. "This bill goes back 10 years and asked our PLIPCO to gather all the requests that have been made and then track that and offer support as we move forward to ensure that we're maximizing the benefit that can come to our state in this sphere," Stratton told the Senate.

Senator Kwan asked whether the bill expands the amount of land a state may request. Stratton replied that the bill does not change the federal statutory limit — "it doesn't expand and yes. It is a set amount in federal statute." Senator Escamilla asked why the Legislature needed the bill when a state office already existed; Stratton said the bill provides a tracking mechanism and a legislative report that the state lacked.

The Senate recorded a roll call showing 22 yay votes, 0 nay votes and 7 absent on the bill; clerks announced the bill passed the chamber and would be transmitted to the House for consideration.

Why it matters: Sponsors said the bill formalizes state coordination to pursue an existing federal opportunity to transfer federally managed lands for state recreation and public use, and creates reporting and resource support for applications.

Next steps: The bill passed the Senate and will be transmitted to the House for its consideration.