O&C Renewal Act of 2026

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 7603 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 7603 To amend the Act of August 28, 1937 (commonly referred to as the ``O&C Act'') with respect to timber production. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 20, 2026 Mr. Bentz introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To amend the Act of August 28, 1937 (commonly referred to as the ``O&C Act'') with respect to timber production. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``O&C Renewal Act of 2026''. SEC. 2. TIMBER PRODUCTION AFFIRMED AS PRIMARY PURPOSE OF O&C LANDS. The first sentence of the Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.; commonly referred to as the ``O&C Act'') is amended by striking ``sustained yield'' and all that follows through the colon and inserting ``sustained yield. The primary purpose with respect to the use of such lands shall be for permanent timber production carried out in accordance with the principle of sustained yield to generate revenues to support county government services. The secondary purposes with respect to the use of the land are to contribute to the economic stability of local communities and industries, protect watersheds, regulate water flow, provide recreational opportunities, and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires:''. SEC. 3. FIRE PROTECTION FOR O&C LANDS. Section 5 of the Act of August 28, 1937 (43 U.S.C. 2601 et seq.; commonly referred to as the ``O&C Act'') is amended by striking ``Provided'' and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting ``Provided, The Secretary shall, with respect to such timberlands (1) meet or exceed