On Jan 24 2017, Rep Chaffetz of Utah, along with 6 co-sponsors, introduced HR 622 which puts enforcement of federal laws completely in the hands of states. As of this morning, there have been 38 posts on NWHikers regarding HR 622:
http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8023259
Chaffetz has sponsored similar legislation previously. Here is a link to this year's bill:
H.R.622 - To terminate the law enforcement functions of the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management and to provide block grants to States for the enforcement of Federal law on Federal land under the jurisdiction of these agencies, and for other purposes.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-con ... e-bill/622
Previously:
HR 4751: Local Enforcement for Local Lands Act of 2016
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-con ... -bill/4751
HR 622: BLM & USFS be stripped of law enforcement capability
Re: HR 622: BLM & USFS be stripped of law enforcement capabi
Pretty obvious what the point of this legislation would be. It is trying to pass as much power as possible to local sheriffs, which is one of the pet ideas of the Bundys and other anti-federal militia types. So much easier to capture and subvert a local sheriff than the Forest Service or BLM.
Re: HR 622: BLM & USFS be stripped of law enforcement capabi
... and selective enforcement. It seems probable that local LEOs would put local interests above national interests. For example, the dispute regarding grazing on BLM administered lands https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bundy_standoff
Re: HR 622: BLM & USFS be stripped of law enforcement capabi
IMO the result in much of Oregon would be a lack of enforcement. For instance, Lane county sheriff deputies are spread so thin it takes a couple hours to get a response in my town, which is 15 minutes from Eugene, even when you call in. Even in emergencies it can take 20+ minutes, depending on how far away the nearest deputy is. I have seen very little enforcement in the Willamette Natl. Forest area as things are now. If the Sheriff has to do it, it won't get done at all.
It might go differently in the Portland area. I dunno.
It might go differently in the Portland area. I dunno.
Re: HR 622: BLM & USFS be stripped of law enforcement capabi
On the surface, the bill provides block grants to states to cover the new expenses of enforcing federal law. As a 'block' grant, how much would end up elsewhere is open ended.