Bill > S3152

This bill, known as the Local Employment Access for our Forests (LEAF) Act of 2025, amends the Healthy Forests Restoration Act to provide a preference for local contractors when awarding contracts for hazardous fuel reduction projects on federal lands. An "appropriate local contractor" is defined as a business that has its principal place of business in the same state where the project will occur, with at least 26% of its workforce residing in that state, or within 60 miles of its business location. The bill outlines numerous authorized project types, including vegetation management, creating fire breaks, removing hazard trees, forest stand improvement, and wildfire resistance activities. The Secretary of Agriculture must prioritize local contractors to the maximum extent practicable when awarding these contracts. The bill also requires the Secretary to submit biennial reports to Congress detailing the number and value of contracts awarded to local contractors, their economic impact, and reasons for hiring non-local contractors. Additionally, the bill establishes a monitoring and evaluation process that can involve governmental agencies, tribal governments, and other interested groups to ensure compliance with the new contracting requirements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3152/all-info