To reauthorize the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994.

Bill Number

H.R. 1098

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Animals

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-12-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.

Last Updated

2026-07-10T16:58:36Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation, H.R. 1098, aims to reauthorize and update the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994. The original act established a program to promote conservation education among youth (ages 11-18) through a national art and design contest for a "junior duck stamp." Proceeds from stamp sales support wetland habitat conservation, similar to the adult Federal Duck Stamp program.

Key Provisions

• Reauthorization Period: Extends federal funding authorization for the program from fiscal years 2006-2010 to 2025-2031.
• Definition of "State": Narrows the program's eligibility by amending the definition to include only specific U.S. jurisdictions (the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, and Virgin Islands), excluding a previous catch-all for "any other territory or possession."
• Funding Restrictions: Specifies that funds for the program must come solely from existing appropriations allocated to the Secretary of the Interior for the Federal Duck Stamp Office, without authorizing any new or additional federal funds.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Extended Timeline: Replaces the expired authorization (2006-2010) with a new seven-year period (2025-2031), ensuring the program's continuity.
• Limited Scope: Removes broad inclusion of unspecified U.S. territories or possessions, potentially excluding less-defined areas like certain Pacific islands or other outlying regions from participation.
• Budget Constraints: Introduces a new rule that program funding cannot exceed or draw from sources outside the Federal Duck Stamp Office's budget, tying it directly to duck stamp-related revenues and appropriations.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which administers the program through the Federal Duck Stamp Office, will continue operations without needing new funding streams, but with stricter budget limits that may require efficient resource allocation.
• Citizens: Youth participants, educators, and conservation enthusiasts benefit from sustained educational opportunities and habitat protection efforts. Stamp sales (priced at $5) generate revenue for wetland conservation, indirectly supporting hunters, birdwatchers, and environmental education nationwide.
• International Relations: Minimal impact, as the program focuses on domestic U.S. conservation; however, it could enhance U.S. wildlife diplomacy through shared conservation models with international partners.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Youth and Educators: Students (ages 11-18) entering the annual design contest, teachers, and schools participating in conservation curricula.
• Conservation Organizations: Groups like Ducks Unlimited or state wildlife agencies that receive grants from stamp revenues for wetland projects.
• Government Entities: USFWS and the Department of the Interior for program administration; state fish and wildlife departments in eligible jurisdictions for implementation.
• Hunters and Wildlife Enthusiasts: Indirect beneficiaries through preserved habitats for migratory waterfowl.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens program stability by reauthorizing it amid ongoing federal budget debates, but the funding cap may limit expansion without congressional approval. No challenges to existing authorities under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act or Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which underpin duck stamp programs.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's enumerated powers over federal lands and spending (Article I, Section 8), promoting education and conservation without raising federalism concerns, as it involves cooperative state-federal efforts.
• Political: Reflects bipartisan support for wildlife conservation (the bill passed the House unanimously in 2025), but the narrowed "state" definition could spark debate over equity for U.S. territories. It avoids new spending, appealing to fiscal conservatives while sustaining a popular, low-cost initiative.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Scholten, Hillary J. [D-MI-3]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Yakym, Rudy [R-IN-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-12-16: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
• 2025-12-15: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-12-15: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5886)
• 2025-12-15: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5886)
• 2025-12-15: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1098.
• 2025-12-15: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5885-5886)
• 2025-12-15: Mr. Stauber moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
• 2025-12-09: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 345.
• 2025-12-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-396.
• 2025-12-09: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-396.
• 2025-04-09: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-04-09: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-02-06: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2025-02-06: Introduced in House
• 2025-02-06: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• An Act To reauthorize the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994. — issued 2025-12-15 — PDF (4 pages)
• To reauthorize the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994. — issued 2025-02-06 — PDF (2 pages)
• An Act To reauthorize the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994. — issued 2025-12-16 — PDF (2 pages)
• To reauthorize the Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program Act of 1994. — issued 2025-12-09 — PDF (4 pages)