Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026

Key Points

• This bill updates a long-standing law to help protect the Lake Tahoe Basin. It recognizes that the Washoe Tribe originally lived in this area but now owns less than 0.5% of the land. The goal is to give the Tribe more say in how the land is managed and help them regain access to sites that are important to their history and culture.
• The Forest Service would gain the power to transfer land directly to the Washoe Tribe. Previously, they could mostly only transfer land to local or state governments. This change helps the Tribe provide better access for its members while helping the federal government manage the forest more effectively.
• The bill changes how money can be spent in the region. Currently, certain funds are set aside only to buy new land. This law would allow that money to also be used for taking care of the land, such as thinning forests to prevent wildfires, protecting water quality in the lake, and maintaining popular recreation spots.
• The Forest Service would be allowed to give grants to the Washoe Tribe and local governments to help with land management. These groups could use this federal money to count as their 'matching' portion for other grants, making it much easier for them to secure additional funding for environmental projects.
• Every year, the Forest Service would have to create a detailed spending plan for the Lake Tahoe area. They must consult with the Tribe, the states of California and Nevada, and local leaders to decide which projects are most important, focusing on forest health, scientific research, and public access.

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