To extend the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000.

Key Points

• This bill extends the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act through fiscal year 2026, continuing payments to counties with large amounts of federal forest land. These counties cannot collect property taxes on federal land, so this program helps fill critical gaps in local budgets for schools and roads.
• The bill provides catch-up payments for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, which lapsed when the program's previous authorization expired. If a county already received smaller standard payments during those years, the new total will be reduced to avoid double payments.
• The Treasury Department would be required to send out all back payments for 2024 and 2025 within 45 days of the bill becoming law, providing quick relief to rural communities that have been waiting for funding.
• The bill extends the authority for Resource Advisory Committees and special projects on federal land through 2028 and 2029, allowing local citizens to continue guiding forest health projects like wildfire prevention and watershed protection.