LASSO Act preserves county revenue sharing, directs public lands funds to Social Security
Author
Zeke Lee
Andrew Nober
Upcoming Events
Related News
Key Takeaways
On February 10, the U.S., House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands held a hearing examining the Land and Social Security Optimization (LASSO) Act (H.R. 34), which would direct a portion of revenues generated on public lands to fund the Social Security system. Introduced by Rep. Paul Gosar, D.D.S. (R-Ariz.), this measure would protect federal revenue sharing to counties while encouraging active use of public lands.
What is the LASSO Act?
The LASSO Act would direct ten percent of revenues generated from all public lands activities into accounts that fund retirement and survivors’ benefits in the Social Security system. Public lands produce revenue for the federal government through leasing and royalty payments from timber, energy and mineral projects as well as through fees on outdoor recreation uses.
Importantly, the bill protects revenue shared with states and counties, meaning that no state or local government would see their payments reduced as an outcome of the law. By redirecting funding toward the Social Security system, the LASSO Act would help ensure its continued solvency and additionally incentivize responsible, productive use of federal public lands. A version of this bill was previously introduced by Rep. Gosar during the 118th Congress.
Impact on counties
By federal law, portions of the revenue generated by public lands are distributed to counties or states. Some states choose to pass portions or all those revenues along to local governments. The LASSO Act would not affect any payment received by a county or by a state, protecting county budgets.
NACo continues to monitor any proposal that might impact federal lands revenue payments to counties.
Related News
House Appropriations Committee releases draft funding bills for public lands and environment programs
On May 20, the U.S. House Appropriations Committee began consideration of the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which funds key environment and public lands programs at the Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill provides agency and program funding levels and sets policy goals for the agencies for FY 2027.
U.S. Forest Services refiles charter to establish Resource Advisory Committees for SRS funding
On April 30, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) published a notice of intent to establish new Resource Advisory Committees (RACs) for the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program. RACs provide advice and recommendations to Forest Service units on how they should use Title II funds under the SRS program.
House passes the 2026 Farm Bill with key county priorities
On April 30, the House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567) by a vote of 224–200.
Advocacy
Counties receive first Secure Rural Schools payments after program is reauthorized
On February 20, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) announced that counties across the country will receive payments through the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) program for the first time in nearly two years. The release of payments will deliver critical relief to timber-dependent counties that rely on these funds to maintain essential services as they transition toward long-term fiscal stability.
