Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026

Bill Number

H.R. 7159

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Animals

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-04: Subcommittee Hearings Held

Last Updated

2026-04-10T23:50:07Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026 aims to update rules under the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 (a federal law that regulates trade in wildlife, fish, and plants to combat illegal trafficking) specifically for captive wildlife offenses. It seeks to provide clearer exceptions and registration options for licensed facilities like zoos, allowing them to legally possess certain prohibited wildlife species under strict conditions, while promoting compliance and reducing penalties for non-trafficking activities.

Key Provisions

• Expanded Exceptions for Licensed Entities: Certain organizations, such as those with a Class B license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (which allows handling of animals for exhibition or research), accredited zoos, and wildlife sanctuaries, are exempt from penalties for possessing "prohibited wildlife species" (dangerous big cats like lions, tigers, and cheetahs held in captivity). This includes protections for a broader range of people involved, such as owners, executives, volunteers, contractors, and veterinary staff (e.g., assistants or technicians).
• Registration Option for Prohibited Species: Facilities or individuals can register existing prohibited wildlife with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Once registered, they must stop breeding, acquiring, selling, allowing public contact with, or publicly exhibiting these animals. This creates a legal pathway to retain animals without ongoing violations.
• International Trade Permissions: Compliant licensed entities can export or import prohibited species to/from authorized foreign facilities that are legally operating in their home countries.
• Cancellation of Mistaken Registrations: Entities or individuals who registered under the new rules but actually qualify for a full exception (e.g., as an accredited zoo) can apply to USFWS to cancel the registration, providing evidence of eligibility at the time of original registration.
• Updated Definition of Prohibited Wildlife Species: Excludes the snow leopard and clouded leopard (plus their hybrids) from the list of prohibited species, meaning these are no longer treated as restricted big cats under the law.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Broadens Exemptions: Previously, exceptions were narrower, applying mainly to specific exhibitors or sanctuaries; now includes USDA-licensed entities and more personnel roles. It also removes the snow leopard from restricted lists and adds the clouded leopard exclusion.
• Introduces Registration Mechanism: This is a new tool not in the original Lacey Act, allowing possession of prohibited species post-registration with behavioral restrictions (e.g., no public interaction), shifting from outright bans to regulated retention.
• Adds Export/Import Flexibility: Prior law did not explicitly allow such international movements for prohibited species; this provision enables it for compliant entities dealing with foreign-approved partners.
• Provides Registration Relief: A novel process for correcting errors in registration, ensuring entities aren't locked into restrictive rules if they qualify for exemptions.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: Increases administrative workload for USFWS, including processing registrations, applications for cancellation, and verifying compliance/foreign authorizations. This could enhance enforcement of wildlife trafficking laws by focusing resources on illegal activities rather than compliant captive care.
• On Citizens: May improve animal welfare in licensed facilities by clarifying legal possession rules, but restricts public interactions (e.g., no "touching" exhibits), potentially reducing risks from dangerous animals. Private owners might face easier compliance if they register, avoiding severe penalties.
• On International Relations: Facilitates legal wildlife exchanges with foreign countries, supporting global conservation efforts (e.g., breeding programs) without encouraging illegal trade, which could strengthen diplomatic ties in wildlife management.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Licensed Facilities: Zoos, aquariums, wildlife sanctuaries, and USDA Class B exhibitors benefit from expanded protections and registration options, allowing continued operation with prohibited species.
• Animal Owners and Handlers: Individuals like volunteers, executives, and veterinary professionals gain broader legal shields from penalties.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): Directly involved in registrations, verifications, and oversight, potentially seeing increased interactions.
• The Public: Indirectly affected through safer exhibit rules (no public contact) and possible conservation benefits from regulated captive populations.
• Foreign Entities: Authorized wildlife operators abroad can now engage in legal imports/exports with U.S. facilities.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: Strengthens the Lacey Act's focus on curbing illegal wildlife trade by creating compliance incentives, potentially reducing court cases over captive possession. The registration and cancellation processes introduce administrative discretion for USFWS, which must be evidence-based to avoid challenges under due process (a constitutional right to fair government procedures).
• Constitutional Implications: No direct conflicts, but the law's restrictions on public contact and activities could raise free speech or property rights questions if challenged (e.g., owners arguing limits on exhibition infringe on business rights). It aligns with federal authority over interstate commerce in wildlife under the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
• Political Implications: Supports conservation while aiding local zoos and exhibitors, appealing to stakeholders in animal welfare and tourism. It may spark debate between animal rights groups (favoring restrictions) and industry advocates (seeking flexibility), influencing future wildlife policy amid concerns over big cat trafficking and captive breeding ethics.

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

Sponsor

Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9]

Cosponsors (2)

Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Miller, Carol D. [R-WV-1]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-04: Subcommittee Hearings Held
• 2026-01-28: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
• 2026-01-20: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2026-01-20: Introduced in House
• 2026-01-20: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-20 — PDF (6 pages)