The "Fence Line Fairness Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with state agriculture and natural resources departments, to establish oversight mediation committees in every state containing National Forest System land. These committees are designed to resolve property boundary disputes between private landowners and the Secretary regarding the location of boundaries with National Forest System land. Each committee will consist of five private, active farmers or ranchers, with appointments split between the Secretary and the relevant state departments, and members serving five-year terms. When a boundary dispute arises, the Secretary must notify the private landowner within 30 days and offer the option to use the mediation committee process. If the landowner chooses mediation, the dispute is referred to the committee within 60 days. The committee will then hold private hearings, analyze information, provide recommendations to the parties for resolution, and submit a detailed report of its findings and recommendations to key federal and state officials, as well as congressional committees, with hearings commencing within 180 days of referral.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Fence Line Fairness Act of 2025
USA119th CongressS-1636| Senate
| Updated: 5/7/2025
The "Fence Line Fairness Act of 2025" mandates the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with state agriculture and natural resources departments, to establish oversight mediation committees in every state containing National Forest System land. These committees are designed to resolve property boundary disputes between private landowners and the Secretary regarding the location of boundaries with National Forest System land. Each committee will consist of five private, active farmers or ranchers, with appointments split between the Secretary and the relevant state departments, and members serving five-year terms. When a boundary dispute arises, the Secretary must notify the private landowner within 30 days and offer the option to use the mediation committee process. If the landowner chooses mediation, the dispute is referred to the committee within 60 days. The committee will then hold private hearings, analyze information, provide recommendations to the parties for resolution, and submit a detailed report of its findings and recommendations to key federal and state officials, as well as congressional committees, with hearings commencing within 180 days of referral.