A bill to amend the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to provide for floodplain easement restoration and management, and for other purposes.

This bill (S 1361) amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to authorize the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to fund floodplain easement restoration and management. It directly affects landowners who hold existing floodplain easements under current programs by enabling USDA to provide financial and technical assistance for restoring natural plant cover and wetland functions on those lands. Key provisions include authorizing the Secretary to restore hydrologic functions (natural water flow and wetland health) and granting them sole discretion to negotiate management agreements with landowners or groups for maintaining restored areas. The bill does not change landowner obligations but adds new USDA responsibilities for long-term floodplain ecosystem health.