HARVEST Act

Shomari Figures

Democrat · AL · Representative

Source: Congress.gov · FEC

• Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2)Original· 2026-04-27
• Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3)Original· 2026-04-27
• Terri A. Sewell (D-AL-7)Original· 2026-04-27

Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.

2026-04-27

Source: Congress.gov

The federal government would study how to help historically Black colleges and universities (known as 1890 Institutions) better educate farmers and ranchers about passing down agricultural land and property to the next generation, particularly addressing complications that arise when land ownership is unclear or shared among multiple heirs. The study would identify barriers these institutions face in offering this educational support and recommend ways to expand their role in helping rural communities preserve farming operations across generations. This affects minority farmers, ranchers, and rural communities seeking guidance on managing inherited agricultural property.

AI-assisted summary generated from the official bill metadata (title, subjects, actions) sourced from Congress.gov. Cached and reviewed. Always verify against the official text linked below.

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office] [H.R. 8502 Introduced in House (IH)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8502 To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on ways to increase opportunities for 1890 Institutions to conduct educational programs and provide technical assistance with respect to issues relating to the transfer of agricultural land and assets, including heirs property, to the next generation of farmers and ranchers, and for other purposes. _______________________________________________________________________ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES April 27, 2026 Mr. Figures (for himself, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Ms. Sewell, and Mrs. Beatty) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on ways to increase opportunities for 1890 Institutions to conduct educational programs and provide technical assistance with respect to issues relating to the transfer of agricultural land and assets, including heirs property, to the next generation of farmers and ranchers, and for other purposes. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This Act may be cited as the ``Heirs' Agricultural Resources, Viability, Education, and Succession Transfer'' or the ``HARVEST Act''. SEC. 2. STUDY ON TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE WITH RESPECT TO TRANSFER OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND ASSETS. (a) In General.--Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Agriculture shall conduct a study on, and submit to Congress a report on, ways to increase opportunities for 1890 Institutions (as defined in section 2 of the Agricultural Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 (7 U.S.C. 7601)) to conduct educational programs and provide technical assistance with respect to issues relating to the transfer of agricultural land and assets, including heirs property, to the next generation of farmers and ranchers. (b) Heirs Property Defined.--In this section, the term ``heirs property'' means real property held in tenancy in common which, as of the date on which a partition action is filed, satisfies all of the following requirements: (1) There is no recorded agreement binding all the co- tenants which governs the partition of the property. (2) One or more of the co-tenants acquired title from a relative, whether living or deceased. (3) Any of the following applies: (A) 20 percent or more of the interests are held by co-tenants who are relatives. (B) 20 percent or more of the interests are held by an individual who acquired title from a relative, whether living or deceased. (C) 20 percent or more of the co-tenants are relatives. <all>

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