Sanford Bishop (D-GA)
Heirs Education and Investment to Resolve Succession of Property Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Heirs Education and Investment to Resolve Succession of Property Act aims to reauthorize and improve the relending program to settle ownership and succession issues on farmland. The bill extends the expiration of the relending program to 2031. It directs the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with eligible nonprofit organizations to provide legal or accounting services to underserved heirs at no cost. These services are intended to help resolve property claims to assist with transitioning or maintaining land in agricultural production. Additionally, the bill provides for $60,000,000 in authorized appropriations for each fiscal year from 2027 through 2031.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +6
Would farmers be better off under this?
The bill directly assists in maintaining and transitioning land to agricultural production.
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill provides no-cost legal/accounting services specifically to 'limited resource heirs' meeting low-income thresholds.
- Scored +5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
Veterans are explicitly defined as a type of underserved heir eligible for the program's benefits.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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No-cost legal and accounting services: Underserved heirs can receive assistance to resolve ownership and succession issues on farmland or forest land without having to pay for these services themselves (Section 3, Subsection (f)(1)).
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Support for agricultural production: The provisions aim to assist with transitioning land to agricultural production or maintaining land in agricultural production (Section 3, Subsection (f)(1)(A) and (B)).
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Increased program access: Resolving real property claims can help land owners meet the ownership eligibility requirements needed to participate in programs administered by the Secretary (Section 3, Subsection (f)(1)(C)).
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Assistance for non-farming land: On a limited basis, heirs with land that is not currently in agricultural production may receive services if the land could be viably productive for agricultural, conservation, or forestry purposes (Section 3, Subsection (f)(2)(D)(i)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Limited duration of services: Cooperative agreements are in effect for no more than 4 years, and funding is not guaranteed beyond that initial term (Section 3, Subsection (f)(2)(A)(i) and (ii)).
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Risk of service termination: If an eligible entity fails to demonstrate success in resolving or attempting to resolve property claims, the Secretary may terminate the agreement (Section 3, Subsection (f)(2)(B)(iii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would farmers be better off under this? — The bill directly assists in maintaining and transitioning land to agricultural production. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill provides no-cost legal/accounting services specifically to 'limited resource heirs' meeting low-income thresholds. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The program specifically targets property issues in farmland and rural-related agricultural production. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — Veterans are explicitly defined as a type of underserved heir eligible for the program's benefits. Would Black Americans be better off under this? — The bill targets socially disadvantaged groups and underserved heirs, which can include disproportionately affected minority communities. Would business owners be better off under this? — Helping heirs secure land ownership can benefit those engaged in agricultural businesses.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill supports underserved heirs, including those from socially disadvantaged groups, by providing legal services to resolve land ownership issues. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By resolving property claims for low-income heirs, the bill helps secure land assets and financial stability.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill supports agricultural production and land management which are vital to rural economies.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — Providing legal assistance helps heirs resolve ownership claims through formal processes. Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates annual reports to Congress to ensure oversight of the program.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill explicitly includes veterans as 'underserved heirs' eligible for no-cost legal and accounting services.
- 4/3/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on General Farm Commodities, Risk Management, and Credit.
- 3/3/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Donald DavisDemocrat · North Carolina
Austin ScottRepublican · Georgia