PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 115-306.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 11, 2018
(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Bureau of Reclamation, within five years, to convey certain recreation land and permitted cabin land around the Dickinson Dam and Reservoir to the Dickinson Parks and Recreation Department in Dickinson, North Dakota. The department must pay administrative costs related to the conveyance, but no other costs.
The department must manage the conveyed recreational land for certain recreation and public purposes, public access, fish and wildlife habitat, or the preservation of the natural character of the recreation land. The department may continue to permit haying and grazing on such recreational land if those activities are authorized under a contract that is in effect on this bill's enactment. In addition, the department must manage the conveyed permitted cabin land for (1) existing cabins or recreational residences, or (2) certain recreational land management purposes. The conveyed land reverts to the United States if the land is used in a manner that is inconsistent with the authorized uses.
The department must charge fair market value for the sale of a parcel of permitted cabin land. However, improvements made by the permittee may not be included in the valuation. The department must pay Reclamation the amount of sale proceeds that exceed the costs of preparing the sale.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
Any amount paid to Reclamation for the land conveyed must be made available to Reclamation, subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance, for activities relating to the operation of the Dickinson Dam and Reservoir.
(Sec. 3) Within five years, Reclamation must convey to North Dakota a game and fish headquarters currently leased by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The headquarters must continue to be used as a game and fish headquarters.
(Sec. 4) The bill specifies that the conveyances made under this bill are subject to certain reservations, easements, and rights, including the requirements of the Pick-Sloan Missouri River Basin Program.
The bill exempts the United States from liability for certain damages, including flood damage to property subject to a permit.
People & committees
Sen. Hoeven, John [R-ND] · R–ND
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 115-306.
Became Public Law No: 115-306.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate bill by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7141)
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate bill by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S7141)
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H9480-9481)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.(text: CR H9480-9481)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 440.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H9480-9482)
Mr. Lamborn moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6549-6550; text: CR S6549-6550)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S6549-6550; text: CR S6549-6550)
By Senator Murkowski from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 115-313.
By Senator Murkowski from Committee on Energy and Natural Resources filed written report. Report No. 115-313.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 533.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Reported by Senator Murkowski with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power. Hearings held. With printed Hearing: S.Hrg. 115-38.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.440 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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