Public Law 119-83 (04/13/2026)

50 U.S.C. § 3998

Land rights of servicemembers

(a)

No age limitations

Any servicemember under the age of 21 in military service shall be entitled to the same rights under the laws relating to lands owned or controlled by the United States, including mining and mineral leasing laws, as those servicemembers who are 21 years of age.

(b)

Residency requirement

Any requirement related to the establishment of a residence within a limited time shall be suspended as to entry by a servicemember in military service or the spouse of such servicemember until 180 days after termination of or release from military service.

(c)

Entry applications

section 1044a of title 10Applications for entry may be verified before a person authorized to administer oaths under or under the laws of the State where the land is situated.

Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888 Pub. L. 108–189, § 1117 Stat. 2857 Pub. L. 111–97, § 4(a)123 Stat. 3008 (, title V, § 508, as added , , ; amended , , .)

Editorial Notes

Codification

Section was formerly classified to section 568 of the former Appendix to this title prior to editorial reclassification and renumbering as this section.

Prior Provisions

act Oct. 17, 1940, ch. 888 54 Stat. 1189 Pub. L. 108–189A prior section 508 of , art. V, , related to irrigation rights and suspension of residence requirements, prior to the general amendment of this Act by .

Amendments

Pub. L. 111–972009—Subsec. (b). inserted “or the spouse of such servicemember” after “a servicemember in military service”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–97, § 4(b)123 Stat. 3008

50 U.S.C. 3911“The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to servicemembers in military service (as defined in section 101 of such Act (50 U.S.C. App. 511) [now ]) on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [].”
, , , provided that:

Effective Date

section 3 of Pub. L. 108–189section 3901 of this titleSection applicable to any case not final before , see , set out as a note under .