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Congress·Reported·S. 638

A bill to amend the Act of June 22, 1948.

Minnesota Wilderness Land Payment Update

This bill has been approved by the Senate committee and is now waiting for a vote by the full Senate. It is currently listed on the Senate calendar for future consideration. The bill is actively moving through the legislative process.

Legislative Progress

Senate
House
President
Law
Likely to pass

The bill has bipartisan support from Minnesota senators and has already cleared a major Senate committee without any changes.

Key Points

  • This bill updates a 1948 law to change how the federal government pays three counties in northern Minnesota for land in the Superior National Forest. Because this land is protected wilderness, the counties cannot tax it and instead receive federal payments to make up for that lost revenue.
  • The new rule requires the Department of Agriculture to use the highest possible appraised value for the land, including historical values. This change is designed to ensure local governments receive more money to make up for the property taxes they cannot collect on protected federal land.
  • The funding helps Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties pay for essential services like public schools, road repairs, and emergency services. By using higher land values, the bill aims to provide more stable and fair financial support for these rural communities.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

4 milestones5 actions
Oct 27, 2025Senate

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 208.

The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.

Oct 27, 2025Senate

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Reported by Senator Boozman without amendment. Without written report.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Oct 21, 2025Senate

Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.

The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.

Feb 19, 2025Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

Feb 19, 2025

Introduced in Senate

The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.

News

No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

A bill to amend the Act of June 22, 1948.

Bill NumberS 638
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionPlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 208.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
D: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.