Analyst Brief March 10, 2026

H.R. 4284 — Small Cemetery Conveyance Act, as amended

Current Status

Introduced

Executive Summary

H.R. 4284 amends the Small Tract Act of 1983, granting the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to convey certain cemeteries without requiring compensation. This change aims to streamline land management and facilitate the preservation of historical burial sites. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives and referred to the Committees on Natural Resources and Agriculture for consideration. This bill addresses the need for efficient management of small tracts of land containing cemeteries, potentially reducing administrative burdens and enabling local communities to better maintain these sites.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Ms. Leger Fernandez

Bill Number

H. R. 4284

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

None
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Streamlines land management by allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to efficiently transfer ownership of cemetery tracts.
  • Reduces administrative burdens associated with maintaining these small parcels of land.
  • Provides a mechanism for local communities and organizations to better preserve and manage historical cemeteries.
  • Offers a bipartisan opportunity to support local control and historical preservation.

Likely Supporters

Local historical societiesCemetery preservation organizationsAgricultural land management groups

Arguments Against

  • Potential for unintended consequences related to land use after conveyance if not properly monitored.
  • Risk of undervaluing the land during conveyance, leading to criticism from fiscal conservatives.
  • Possible opposition from groups concerned about the protection of Native American graves and cultural sites if not adequately addressed.
  • Concerns about the definition of 'cemetery' and 'qualified person' leading to potential loopholes or misuse.

Likely Opponents

Native American rights organizationsEnvironmental protection groupsFiscal conservative groups

📋 Key Provisions

  • Authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain cemeteries without consideration.
  • Amends the Small Tract Act of 1983 to include provisions for cemetery conveyances.
  • Defines 'cemetery' and 'qualified land grant-merced' for the purposes of the Act.
  • Specifies conditions for conveyance, including the requirement that the land be used for operating a cemetery.
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Claim Analysis Page 1, Line 2

The bill amends the Small Tract Act of 1983.

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"To amend the Small Tract Act"

Claim Analysis Page 1, Line 3

The Secretary of Agriculture can convey cemeteries without consideration.

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"Agriculture to convey, without consideration"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 2

Land must be used for operating a cemetery.

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"used for the purpose of operating"

Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 23

Defines 'cemetery' as a physical location for remains.

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"term 'cemetery' means a natural"

Claim Analysis Page 4, Line 9

Land parcel must be 40 acres or less.

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"land less than or equal to"