S. 3695 · In committee · Public Lands and Natural Resources

Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026

What it does

Amends the Santini-Burton Act to authorize the Forest Service to use acquisition appropriations for land management activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin, including forest health, water quality, wildfire mitigation, and cultural preservation.
Authorizes transfer of Forest Service land deemed unsuitable for National Forest System management to the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California or local government, and permits administrative cost coverage for such transfers.
Establishes a requirement that the Forest Service develop an annual spending plan by March 15 for Lake Tahoe Basin land management activities, developed in consultation with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, State and local governments, and the Washoe Tribe.
Authorizes the Forest Service to transfer appropriated funds to State and local governments, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and the Washoe Tribe for land management activities and projects providing public access to acquired land and culturally significant sites.

Feb 12, 2026: Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.

Committee: Senate Public Lands, Forests, and Mining Subcommittee