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Congress·In Committee·about 1 month ago

Congress seeks to expand Lake Tahoe land management funding and support land transfers to the Washoe Tribe

Also known as: Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Mixed Impacts(4)
Housing Assistance
Neutral
Homeowner
Neutral
Renter
Neutral
Federal Employee
Neutral
Positive Impacts(1)
Tribal Member
Helps

State Impacts

CaliforniaCA
Mixed

Applies to the Lake Tahoe Basin on the California side. Allows Santini-Burton funds to be used for land management (forest health, water quality, recreation impacts) and to be transferred to California state/local governments and the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and to the Washoe Tribe, to carry out projects and public access improvements. Actual impacts depend on future appropriations and project choices.

NevadaNV
Mixed

Applies to the Lake Tahoe Basin on the Nevada side. Opens the door for Santini-Burton funds to support management projects and to be transferred to Nevada state/local governments, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and the Washoe Tribe. Could support wildfire risk reduction and water quality projects; may also bring more planning and coordination requirements.

Key Points

  • Lets Forest Service use money set aside for buying land around Lake Tahoe to also manage that land (like forest health and water quality work).
  • Adds the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California as a partner that can receive land and funding, including for land that is culturally important to the Tribe.
  • Allows funds to cover the paperwork and other admin costs needed to transfer land to state/local governments or the Washoe Tribe.
  • Spells out what “land management” can include: wildfire-risk work near homes, protecting water quality, limiting damage from heavy recreation, and protecting cultural sites.
  • Requires a yearly spending plan with input from California, Nevada, the Tahoe planning agency, local governments, and the Washoe Tribe; funds can stay available until used.
EnvironmentAgricultureCivil Rights

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jan 27, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Jan 27, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After the bill becomes law and funding is appropriated

Forest Service starts using Santini-Burton funds for land management work in the Tahoe Basin

If money is appropriated, people may see more fuels reduction, erosion control, and cultural site protection work—sometimes with temporary trail/area closures during projects.

After the bill becomes law and project agreements are signed

Forest Service can transfer funds to the Washoe Tribe and to state/local governments for management and access projects

The Tribe and local agencies could directly run projects (like site protection, access improvements, or forest health work) instead of waiting for federal crews to do all work.

By March 15 each year (starting the first year after enactment)

Yearly spending plan is created by March 15 for the next fiscal year’s activities

Residents and local groups may get a more predictable list of priorities (what projects are likely to happen next year) and clearer chances to weigh in through local and tribal consultation.

Related News

3 articles
South Tahoe Now·about 1 month ago

Nevada and California senators and congressman introduce legislation to support Lake Tahoe conservation efforts

Covers the bill’s introduction and details: allowing Santini-Burton funds for land management (wildfire risk, water quality, recreation impacts) and adding the Washoe Tribe as an eligible land-transfer partner.

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Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI)·about 1 month ago

Environment & Energy Congressional Round-Up | January 26 - January 30, 2026

Round-up noting introduction of the Santini-Burton Modernization Act (H.R. 7255 / S. 3695) to increase funding/tools for Tahoe Basin land management (lake clarity, recreation impacts, wildfire risk).

CL=
Water Education Foundation (Aquafornia)·about 1 month ago

California, Nevada Senators introduce legislation to support Lake Tahoe conservation efforts

Syndicated/curated item referencing local reporting on the bill: restoring ability to use funds for Tahoe land management and expanding Washoe Tribe authority to manage lands in the Basin.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026

Bill NumberHR 7255
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(2)
D: 2

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.