Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 2316

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Status

Became Law

Became Law

Public Law 119-40

Latest Action

2025-11-25: Became Public Law No: 119-40.

Last Updated

2026-07-11T03:23:19Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation, known as the Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025, aims to extend the timeline for when interest earned on certain federal funds can be used for wildlife conservation projects. It modifies an existing law to delay the distribution of this interest, potentially preserving more funds in the account for a longer period.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 3(b)(2)(C) of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (a 1937 law that funds state wildlife programs through excise taxes on hunting, shooting, and fishing equipment).
• Changes the date from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2033, specifying that interest on obligations (such as bonds or securities) held in the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund will become available for apportionment (distribution to states) starting at the beginning of fiscal year 2033.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The original law made this interest available for distribution beginning in fiscal year 2026.
• This act postpones that availability by seven years, to fiscal year 2033, without altering other aspects of the fund's management or uses.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (which administers the fund) may retain more interest earnings in the federal account longer, potentially growing the fund's balance before distribution to states for conservation efforts.
• Citizens: Hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts who contribute to the fund via excise taxes could see delayed but sustained funding for wildlife habitat restoration, research, and hunter education programs. No direct impact on individual taxpayers.
• International Relations: None apparent, as the bill focuses on domestic wildlife conservation funding.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• State Wildlife Agencies: Primary beneficiaries, as they receive apportioned funds for conservation projects; the delay could mean larger future distributions if interest accumulates.
• Conservation Organizations and Environmental Groups: Likely supportive, given the focus on wetlands and wildlife access, though the short title suggests an emphasis on habitat improvement.
• Hunting and Fishing Industries: Indirectly affected, as their excise tax contributions fund the program; extended retention of interest may enhance long-term program stability.
• Federal Government: Manages the fund and must adjust budgeting timelines accordingly.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: A minor, technical amendment to an established conservation statute; no challenges to federal authority over wildlife funding, which is grounded in Congress's spending power under the Constitution.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Article I powers to tax and spend for the general welfare, including environmental protection; no apparent conflicts with states' rights, as distributions to states remain intact.
• Political: Represents bipartisan support for wildlife conservation (the Pittman-Robertson Act is long-standing and popular); the delay could be seen as fiscally prudent to combat inflation or ensure fund solvency, but might draw minor criticism from states seeking earlier access to funds. No major controversies, as the change is narrow and extends an existing provision.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Gray, Adam [D-CA-13], Rep. McBride, Sarah [D-DE-At Large]

Recent Actions

• 2025-11-25: Became Public Law No: 119-40.
• 2025-11-25: Became Public Law No: 119-40.
• 2025-11-25: Signed by President.
• 2025-11-25: Signed by President.
• 2025-11-25: Presented to President.
• 2025-11-25: Presented to President.
• 2025-10-23: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
• 2025-10-23: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7734)
• 2025-10-23: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-10-23: Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-10-23: Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works discharged by Unanimous Consent.
• 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
• 2025-07-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
• 2025-07-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
• 2025-07-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Bill Versions

• Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-14 — PDF (4 pages)
• Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 — issued 2025-10-30 — PDF (1 pages)
• Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 — issued 2025-03-25 — PDF (2 pages)
• Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-15 — PDF (2 pages)
• Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-10 — PDF (4 pages)