Senate committee set to hear bills to buy back federal land

The Colorado River flows through the Grand Canyon. (U.S. Geological Survey Photo)

A Senate committee is set to hear three proposals to transfer federal public lands to the state.

The bills by Republicans Rep. Brenda Barton of Payson and Rep. Bob Thorpe of Flagstaff ask the federal government to transfer all public lands to the state before 2020.

House Bill 2321, demands the government transfer all public lands to Arizona before Jan. 1, 2020.

House Bill 2318 allows Arizona to join an interstate state compact for the transfer of public lands.

House Bill 2176 by Thorpe requires the federal government turn over all land that does not serve a purpose outlined in the U.S. Constitution.

Voters struck down a similar proposition in 2012.

The Senate Rural Affairs and Environment Committee is set to hear all three bills Tuesday morning.