The Small Cemetery Conveyance Act allows for the conveyance of certain parcels of land used or previously used as cemeteries, without consideration, to qualified entities. The conveyance is subject to the condition that the property must only be used for operating a cemetery, and there is a provision for reversion to the United States if the property is used for a different purpose. The Secretary has the authority to waive conveyance costs if appropriate based on the recipient's need. The Act includes definitions for "cemetery," "Indian Tribe," "qualified land grant-merced," and "qualified person." Furthermore, it clarifies that it does not affect the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
Small Cemetery Conveyance Act
This bill authorizes the Forest Service to convey, without a payment or exchange in land, a cemetery to a state government, local government, Indian tribe, or certain community land grant that has a bona fide interest or historic claim to the cemetery. This authorization applies to up to 40 acres of land that was used, or previously used, as a cemetery, including up to 1 acre adjacent to the land used as a cemetery.
The conveyed land must continue to be used as a cemetery. If it is not used for that purpose, the Forest Service may revert the land and any improvements back to the United States.
The Forest Service may waive certain conveyance costs upon the demonstrated need of a state government, local government, Indian tribe, or community land grant.