Senator Cortez Masto’s Santini-Burton Modernization Act would allow U.S. Forest Service to once again use S-B Act funds to manage public lands in the Tahoe Basin, with an emphasis on protecting lake clarity, reducing wildfire risk, and addressing recreation impacts, all of which were outlined in the original law. The bill would also expand the Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California’s authority to manage lands in the Basin.
Support and advance the Santini-Burton Modernization Act to allow use of existing Santini-Burton Act funds for ongoing land management in the Lake Tahoe Basin, prioritizing protection of lake clarity, reducing wildfire risk, addressing recreation impacts, and expanding Washoe Tribe land management authority.
Occurrences
Evidence
Sponsor: Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV] (Introduced 01/27/2026). Latest Action: Senate - 02/12/2026 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining. Hearings held. Tracker: This bill has the status Introduced.
The hearing will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ... S. 3695, to amend Public Law 96-586 to modernize the authority of the Forest Service to acquire and administer land under that Act, and for other purposes (Cortez Masto).
Assessments
Catherine Cortez Masto sponsored and introduced S.3695, the Santini-Burton Modernization Act of 2026, and the bill received a Senate subcommittee hearing during her current Senate term. That is a serious legislative effort and materially advances the proposal procedurally, but the evidence shows the bill remains only introduced and has not passed or become law. Because the promised policy change has not been enacted, this is not delivered; the serious attempt warrants the effort badge.