Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025
The Secure Rural Schools Reauthorization Act of 2025 is a reauthorization and extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000. Its main purpose is to maintain and extend federal payments to states and counties that contain significant federally managed land (primarily National Forest lands) to offset losses in timber-related revenue and to support local schools, roads, and communities. The bill extends key program authorities and funding timelines into 2024-2025 and beyond (through 2026 for some payments and through 2028-2029 for certain authorities), while also making a small set of technical corrections. It also extends the Resource Advisory Committee pilot program and clarifies/adjusts procedural rules around payments and elections for how counties receive funds.
Key Points
- 1Extends the payment timeline for state and county allocations (amending sections to move the baseline from 2023 to 2026) and adds a special rule for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 to ensure proper handling of prior payments and to require prompt payment (within 45 days) after enactment.
- 2Maintains and clarifies how states and counties elect to receive payments for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, including rolling over certain election choices from 2023 to 2024 and 2025, ensuring continuity in funding elections.
- 3Extends authority to conduct special projects on federal land (extension of authorization dates to 2028-2029) and extends authority to expend county funds (extensions to 2028-2029), increasing the window for projects and funded activities.
- 4Extends the Resource Advisory Committee Pilot Program to 2026 and removes one of the pilot program provisions, broadening or extending the role of advisory committees in project planning and funding decisions.
- 5Makes targeted technical corrections to the Act’s language (small editorial fixes) to improve clarity and consistency.