H.R. 952: Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act
Sponsor
Doris Matsui
Democrat · CA-7
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Mar 4, 2026
Passed the House, received in Senate
Why it matters
The bill would let current property owners in Sacramento buy out an old federal claim on their land, potentially resolving long-running title uncertainty if the Senate advances it.
Politically, bills like this are often less about ideology than about title cleanup and local land management. The House has already passed it, and the Senate has referred it to the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. If it keeps moving, the main question is whether senators view it as a straightforward technical fix or whether any concerns emerge about precedent for similar reversionary-interest conveyances elsewhere.
What does H.R. 952 do?
Lets current owners buy federal reversionary interest
Current owners of the covered parcels can ask to purchase the United States' remaining reversionary interest in about 8.43 acres in Sacramento.
Requires sale within two years of request
Once the buyer requests the conveyance, the Interior Department must offer the applicable federal interest within two years.
Sets a fair market value floor
The federal interest cannot be sold for less than fair market value, based on an appraisal done under federal and professional appraisal rules.
Makes buyers pay all transaction costs
In addition to the purchase price, buyers must cover surveys, appraisals, and other administrative costs tied to the conveyance.
Protects existing legal rights
Any sale remains subject to valid existing rights, so the bill does not erase other lawful claims or interests already attached to the land.
Preserves railroad corridor protections
The bill says it cannot shrink the right-of-way tied to the covered land below 50 feet on each side of the center of the rail line, and it does not validate certain possession-based claims.
Who benefits from H.R. 952?
Current parcel owners in Sacramento
They gain a clear path to buy out the federal government's lingering claim and reduce uncertainty over title.
Local real estate and development interests
Cleaner title can make property sales, financing, redevelopment, and long-term planning easier.
Bureau of Land Management
The agency gets a specific process to resolve an old, limited federal interest and recover value through a formal sale.
Federal land conservation and disposal programs
Sale proceeds go into the Federal Land Disposal Account, where they can be used under existing land transaction rules.
Who is affected by H.R. 952?
Current owners of the covered parcels
They are the only parties allowed to request purchase of the reversionary interest, and they must pay both fair market value and all associated costs.
Railroad right-of-way holders and related operators
Their corridor protections are preserved because the bill says the right-of-way cannot be reduced below the specified width.
Nearby land users and parties with existing rights
Their valid existing rights are left in place, so the bill does not automatically override easements or other lawful interests.
Taxpayers and the federal government
They are affected because the bill directs that the transfer occur at no less than fair market value and requires buyers to absorb administrative costs.
H.R. 952 Common Questions
Can Sacramento property owners buy out the federal reversionary interest on their land?
Yes. Under the Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act, the owner of record of a covered parcel in Sacramento can request to buy the United States' reversionary interest in the covered land (Section 2).
How much Sacramento land is covered by HR 952?
According to H.R. 952 Section 2, the bill covers approximately 8.43 acres of Bureau of Land Management land in Sacramento, California.
How long would the Interior Department have to offer the federal land interest after a request?
Under the Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act (Section 2), the Secretary of the Interior must offer the reversionary interest no later than 2 years after receiving the buyer's request.
Does HR 952 require Sacramento landowners to pay fair market value for the federal interest?
Yes. Under H.R. 952 Section 2, the federal reversionary interest cannot be sold for less than fair market value, based on a federally compliant appraisal.
What appraisal standards would be used to price the federal reversionary interest in Sacramento?
According to H.R. 952 Section 2, value must be determined under FLPMA, the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions, and USPAP.
Do buyers have to pay survey and appraisal costs under the Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act?
Yes. Under the Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act (Section 2), the buyer must pay all conveyance costs, including surveys, appraisals, and other administrative expenses.
Does HR 952 erase existing easements or other legal claims on the Sacramento parcels?
No. According to H.R. 952 Section 2, any conveyance is subject to valid existing rights, so existing lawful interests are preserved.
Can the railroad right-of-way in Sacramento be reduced under HR 952?
No. Under the Reversionary Interest Conveyance Act (Section 3), the right-of-way cannot be diminished to less than 50 feet on each side of the center of the main track or tracks.
Does the bill recognize adverse possession claims on the covered Sacramento land?
No. Under H.R. 952 Section 3, the Act does not validate or confirm claims based on adverse possession, prescription, or abandonment unless previously confirmed by Southern Pacific conveyance.
Where would the money from the Sacramento land sale go under HR 952?
According to H.R. 952 Section 2, sale proceeds would be deposited into the Federal Land Disposal Account and used under the Federal Land Transaction Facilitation Act.
Based on H.R. 952 bill text
HR952 Legislative Journey
Passed Committee
Mar 4, 2026
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Committee Action
Feb 12, 2026
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held.
Committee Action
May 14, 2025
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
House: Vote Held
May 13, 2025
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1982)
House: Committee Action
Feb 4, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
About the Sponsor
Doris Matsui
Democrat, California's 7th congressional district · 21 years in Congress
Committees: Energy and Commerce
View full profile →
Committee Sponsors
Energy and Natural Resources Committee
0 of 20 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
Natural Resources Committee
0 of 43 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
27 Democrats across these committees haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.R. 952 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Energy and Natural Resources
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Introduced
- Feb 4, 2025
Passed the House, received in Senate
Mar 4, 2026
Who is lobbying on H.R. 952?
1 organization lobbying on this bill
FIDELITY NATIONAL TITLE INSURANCE COMPANY | 8 |
Showing 1-1 of 1 organizations
H.R. 952 Bill Text
“To convey the reversionary interest of the United States in certain land in Sacramento, California.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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