Title 15, Commerce and TradeRelease 119-102
§1529 Relinquishment of Legislative Jurisdiction Over Certain Lands
Title 15 › CHAPTER 40 — DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE › § 1529
Summary
The Secretary of Commerce may give up United States control over lands the Secretary manages in a State, Commonwealth, territory, or possession, even if other laws say otherwise. This can happen by filing a notice with the Governor (or, if no Governor, the chief executive) that takes effect when accepted, or by following that place’s own laws.
Full Legal Text
Title 15, §1529
Commerce and Trade, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Notwithstanding any other law, the Secretary of Commerce, whenever the Secretary considers it desirable, may relinquish to a State, or to a Commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States, all or part of the legislative jurisdiction of the United States over lands or interests under the Secretary’s control in that State, Commonwealth, territory, or possession. Relinquishment of legislative jurisdiction under this section may be accomplished—
(1)by filing with the Governor (or, if none exists, with the chief executive officer) of the State, Commonwealth, territory, or possession concerned a notice of relinquishment to take effect upon acceptance of the notice; or
(2)as required by the laws of the State, Commonwealth, territory, or possession.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
15 U.S.C. § 1529
Title 15, Commerce and Trade
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102