California
House Committee Advances Barona Group Land Transfer Act for California Reservation
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Key points
- H.R. 8483 places approximately 836 acres of federal land into trust for the Barona Group of Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians in California.
- The bill transfers management from the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service while maintaining valid existing rights and public recreational access.
- Representative Darrell Issa sponsored the legislation, which passed the House Committee on Natural Resources by unanimous consent in September 2026.
NewsWK — Federal lawmakers are moving forward with legislation to shift hundreds of acres of public ground into tribal oversight in Southern California. Representative Darrell Issa introduced the measure to expand reservation boundaries while maintaining existing public easements.
What Does the Barona Reservation Land Transfer California Bill Do?
The measure transfers roughly 836 acres of federal property to federal trust status. The land will benefit the Barona Group of Capitan Grande Band of Mission Indians. This action officially incorporates the acreage into the tribe’s reservation while preserving pre-existing land rights and access agreements.
Specifically, the transferred property includes parcels previously managed by the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service. Administrative jurisdiction over key sections, designated as Parcel 2 and Parcel 3, will shift to the Secretary of the Interior. However, all valid existing rights remain legally intact.
How Will HR 8483 Barona Band Impact Local Land Access?
The legislation preserves public access for recreational and scientific activities across the transferred property. Members of the public can still access the land under reasonable rules established by tribal authorities. easements
Who Supported the California Mission Indians Land Trust Legislation? Barona Group Land Transfer Act
Representative Darrell Issa sponsored the Darrell Issa tribal land bill on April 23, 2026. The House Committee on Natural Resources referred the Barona Group land transfer act to a specialized subcommittee. Then, after holding a legislative hearing in May 2026, the full committee approved the bill by unanimous consent on September 15, 2026.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
Related: Senate Advances the Pit River Land Transfer Act for Northern California Tribal Land Trust
Related: Lawmakers Review HR 10208 San Diego County Trust Land Measure for Continued Medical Facilities
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