North Dakota Trust Lands Completion Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Representative Fedorchak
In Committee
Summary
Establishes a North Dakota–federal land exchange framework to swap State land grant parcels that lie wholly or partly inside Indian reservations for unappropriated Federal land of substantially equal value. The bill would set appraisal, valuation, timing, and public-review rules and allow reservation portions to be taken into trust for tribes.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Grazing rights and hazard checks
If enacted, the new owner would take on existing leases, permits, and rights to the fullest extent allowed by law. Grazing leases or permits in effect at conveyance could continue for their remaining term under existing terms, though the Secretary or State could cancel or change them if the land is sold or used for nongrazing purposes. Base-property status for grazing would continue when State land is used to meet Federal permit requirements. Records about hazardous materials must be available and inspected, and each party must complete hazard inspections and certifications before conveying land. Compensation for range improvements would remain available under current law.
Existing land lawsuits unchanged
If enacted, nothing in the bill would apply to or change court cases or disputes that are already pending on the enactment date about ownership of land or mineral resources in North Dakota. Those lawsuits and disputes would remain governed by existing law and procedures.
State and federal land exchange
If enacted, the State would be allowed to give up a State land grant parcel inside or partly inside a reservation to receive BLM land of substantially equal value. Selections could be done in one or more phases. The State could adjust picks within 120 days of a phase list, the Secretary would approve or reject each phase within 180 days, and convey approved Federal land within 60 days by patent or deed. Independent appraisals must value parcels, with simpler methods allowed only if both parties agree the market value is under $500,000 and under $500 per acre. If values differ, the lesser-value party would equalize by cash or a ledger entry, but any payment or ledger entry could not exceed 25% of the Federal parcel's value; ledger accounts must be balanced in 3 years and closed within 5 years. Final appraisals must be available for public review at least 30 days before an exchange. Conveyances under the bill would not be treated as a sale for certain FLPMA provisions, and some BLM lands are excluded from selection.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Fedorchak
ND • R
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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