Small Cemetery Conveyance Act

This legislation, known as the Small Cemetery Conveyance Act, amends the Small Tract Act of 1983 to empower the Secretary of Agriculture to convey specific parcels of federal land that are currently or were previously used as cemeteries. These conveyances can be made without monetary consideration to qualified entities, such as State or local governments, Indian Tribes, or qualified land grant-merceds, which have a bona fide interest or historic claim to the cemetery. A key provision mandates that any conveyed property must be used exclusively for the purpose of operating a cemetery . Should the Secretary determine that the land is used for any other purpose, all rights and title to the parcel may revert to the United States. The bill also allows the Secretary to waive certain conveyance costs for qualified persons based on demonstrated need, easing the financial burden on recipients. The Act defines a "cemetery" as a location for human remains, part of a death rite or common burying ground, or determined by an Indian Tribe, not exceeding 40 acres. Importantly, the legislation explicitly states that it does not modify or waive the application of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.