PILT and Refuge Revenue Sharing Permanent Funding Act

The PILT and Refuge Revenue Sharing Permanent Funding Act (S. 496) would change how the federal government compensates local counties for tax-exempt federal lands within their borders. Currently, programs like Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Refuge Revenue Sharing depend on annual congressional approvals, which can lead to unpredictable funding levels for local governments. This bill would make that funding permanent and automatic, ensuring that rural communities receive consistent financial support to pay for essential local services such as schools, road maintenance, and emergency response.