HR 263 — Big Cat Public Safety Act

Summary

Big Cat Public Safety Act This act revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species) under the Lacey Act to limit the possession, breeding, and exhibition of big cats. The Lacey Act prohibits any person from importing, exporting, buying, selling, transporting, receiving, or acquiring big cats across state lines or the U.S. border. However, some exemptions are provided for certain entities, such as universities and wildlife sanctuaries. (Sec. 3) The act expands the Lacey Act prohibitions to include a prohibition on possessing or breeding big cats. Breeding means facilitating propagation or reproduction (whether intentionally or negligently), or failing to prevent propagation or reproduction. Owners of big cats that were born before this act's enactment may keep their big cats, but the owners must register them with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The act modifies the list of entities that are exempt from prohibitions to export, buy, sell, transport, receive, acquire, possess, or breed big cats. The modified list includes exemptions for entities or facilities exhibiting animals to the public if they (1) hold a Class C license in good standing under the Animal Welfare Act, and (2) do not allow individuals to come into direct physical contact with big cats. However, direct contact is allowed if the individual is a trained professional, a veterinarian, or directly supporting conservation programs that do not involve commercial activities and meet other specified restrictions. (Sec. 4) A person who knowingly violates the act must be fined not more than $20,000, or imprisoned for no more than five years, or both. The act considers each violation to be a separate offense. The offense must be deemed to have been committed not only in the district where the violation first occurred, but also in any district in which the defendant may have taken or been in possession of the prohibited wildlife species. (Sec. 5) The act extends forfeiture provisions to fish, wildlife, or plants that are bred or possessed; thus, big cats bred or possessed in violation of the act are subject to forfeiture. (Sec. 6) The Department of the Interior must issue regulations to implement this act.

Big Cat Public Safety Act This bill revises requirements governing the trade of big cats (i.e., species of lion, tiger, leopard, cheetah, jaguar, or cougar or any hybrid of such species). Specifically, it revises restrictions on the possession and exhibition of big cats, including to restrict direct contact between the public and big cats.

Vote Result

Passed House

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 278 - 134 (Roll no. 415). (text: 7/28/2022 CR H7388)

Actions

2022-12-20T00:00:00

Became Public Law No: 117-243.

2022-12-20T00:00:00

Became Public Law No: 117-243.

2022-12-20T00:00:00

Signed by President.

2022-12-20T00:00:00

Signed by President.

2022-12-16T00:00:00

Presented to President.

2022-12-16T00:00:00

Presented to President.

2022-12-07T00:00:00

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

2022-12-06T00:00:00

Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S7005-7006)

2022-12-06T00:00:00

Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Voice Vote.

2022-08-01T00:00:00

Received in the Senate, read twice.

2022-07-29T00:00:00

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

2022-07-29T00:00:00

On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 278 - 134 (Roll no. 415). (text: 7/28/2022 CR H7388)

2022-07-29T00:00:00

Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 278 - 134 (Roll no. 415).

2022-07-29T00:00:00

Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7531-7532)

2022-07-28T00:00:00

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on H.R. 263, the Chair put the question on passage of the bill and by voice vote, announced the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Westerman demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.

2022-07-28T00:00:00

DEBATE - The House resumed with debate on H.R. 263.

2022-07-28T00:00:00

DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 263.

2022-07-28T00:00:00

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 263 and H.R. 4040. Resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill. H. Res. 517 is considered adopted.

2022-07-28T00:00:00

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1256. (consideration: CR H7388-7395)

2022-07-26T00:00:00

Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1256 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 263 and H.R. 4040. Resolution provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill. H. Res. 517 is considered adopted.

2022-07-22T00:00:00

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 334.

2022-07-22T00:00:00

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 117-428.

2022-07-22T00:00:00

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 117-428.

2022-06-15T00:00:00

Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 25 - 17.

2022-06-08T00:00:00

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

2022-06-08T00:00:00

Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife Discharged.

2022-05-12T00:00:00

Subcommittee Hearings Held.

2021-02-18T00:00:00

Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife.

2021-01-11T00:00:00

Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

2021-01-11T00:00:00

Introduced in House

2021-01-11T00:00:00

Introduced in House

Policy Areas

Animals

Big Cat Public Safety Act

Sponsors

Summary

Vote Result

Actions

Policy Areas

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