Politisphere

S. 90: Historic Roadways Protection Act

A Senate bill (S.) in the 119th U.S. Congress.

Overview

Congress119th U.S. Congress (2025–2026)
TypeSenate bill (S.)
Originating chamberSenate
Introduced2025-01-14
SponsorSen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Policy areaPublic Lands and Natural Resources
Cosponsors1
Latest action2026-02-04 — Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Last updated2026-03-24

Summary

Official summary (Introduced in Senate, 2025-01-14):

Historic Roadways Protection Act

This bill prohibits the Bureau for Land Management (BLM) from closing historical roads on public lands in certain areas of Utah until the Federal District Court for Utah makes a decision on each of the R.S. 2477 cases, which are cases brought by Utah and counties to keep historical roads on BLM land in Utah open for public use.

By way of background, a provision of the Mining Law of 1866, commonly known as R.S. 2477, granted rights-of-way to states and counties across public lands for the construction of roads for public use in order to promote settlement of the American West. In 1976, Congress repealed R.S. 2477 when it enacted the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), but FLPMA preserved rights-of-way that had been established under R.S. 2477. After the BLM released travel management plans that closed some historical roads, Utah and 22 counties filed lawsuits about their rights-of-way across public lands for historical roads.

Until the BLM certifies that those cases have been decided, the bill prohibits the BLM from obligating or expending federal funds to (1) finalize or implement a new travel management plan for certain travel management areas in Utah; or (2) implement, with respect to land within the boundary of Utah, the Indian Creek (Canyon Rims) Travel Management Plan, the San Rafael Desert Travel Management Plan, the San Rafael Swell Travel Management Plan, or the Labyrinth/Gemini Bridges Travel Management Plan.

Cosponsors (1)

NameParty / state
John R. Curtis R UT (original cosponsor) 2025-01-14

Full text & official record

The official bill text, section-by-section summary, amendments, committee reports, and the complete legislative timeline for S. 90 are published by Congress on congress.gov.

View S. 90 on congress.gov →

Frequently asked questions

What is S. 90?

S. 90 is a Senate bill (S.) introduced in the 119th U.S. Congress, originating in the Senate. Official title: Historic Roadways Protection Act.

Where can I read the full bill text?

The full text, cosponsors, amendments, and legislative status for S. 90 are available on congress.gov.

Bill data: congress.gov API (official congressional records).