Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee, Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Subcommittee, Agriculture Committee, Natural Resources Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill seeks to limit the ability of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to penalize livestock owners for grazing on specific federal lands. Penalties are prohibited if grazing was previously permitted on these lands and subsequently banned, provided no fence exists to prevent livestock from entering. The legislation defines "covered lands" as National Forest System lands, lands administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or other public lands that border private property and had a grazing permit or lease on or after the bill's enactment date, which was later prohibited. Crucially, the bill mandates that the Secretary concerned is responsible for all expenses related to the construction and maintenance of any fences built on these covered lands to prevent grazing. This measure aims to protect owners of livestock , including cattle, bison, horses, sheep, and goats, from penalties when their animals access areas that were once open for grazing but are now closed, without a physical barrier in place. It shifts the financial burden of fencing to the federal government in such specific circumstances.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Agriculture and Food
PASTURES Act
USA119th CongressHR-774| House
| Updated: 2/28/2025
This bill seeks to limit the ability of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to penalize livestock owners for grazing on specific federal lands. Penalties are prohibited if grazing was previously permitted on these lands and subsequently banned, provided no fence exists to prevent livestock from entering. The legislation defines "covered lands" as National Forest System lands, lands administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or other public lands that border private property and had a grazing permit or lease on or after the bill's enactment date, which was later prohibited. Crucially, the bill mandates that the Secretary concerned is responsible for all expenses related to the construction and maintenance of any fences built on these covered lands to prevent grazing. This measure aims to protect owners of livestock , including cattle, bison, horses, sheep, and goats, from penalties when their animals access areas that were once open for grazing but are now closed, without a physical barrier in place. It shifts the financial burden of fencing to the federal government in such specific circumstances.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry.