Advancing Next-Generation Genetic Learning for Effective Resource Strategy Act

Bill Number: H.R. 9299
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Public Lands and Natural Resources
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-06-11: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Last Updated: 2026-07-04T19:46:49Z

AI-Generated Summary

Summary of H.R. 9299

Purpose

This legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to create a grant program that funds efforts to incorporate environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring techniques into sport fish surveys. The goal is to improve data collection on fish populations, species distribution, and related environmental factors through expanded use of genetic sampling methods.

Key Provisions

Establishes the "eDNA Sport Fish Survey grant program," administered by the Secretary of the Interior in coordination with the Secretary of Commerce (through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council.
Provides grants to eligible entities for developing and implementing programs that use eDNA techniques in sport fish surveys.
Specifies eligible uses of grant funds, including:
Expanding sampling across larger or remote geographic areas.
Increasing survey frequency for better population and distribution data.
Improving species identification and population estimates.
Enhancing data availability for fisheries management and conservation.
Detecting invasive species.
Monitoring species listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973.
Requires grant applications to include information determined appropriate by the Secretary.
Gives priority to applications showing intent to collaborate with other eligible entities.
Mandates collection of data on program effectiveness where practicable.
Authorizes $4,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2027 through 2033.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces a new federal grant program focused on eDNA monitoring for sport fish surveys. It does not amend or repeal specific existing statutes but creates new authority and funding mechanisms under the Department of the Interior, acting through the United States Geological Survey.

Potential Impacts

Government agencies: Increases coordination between the Department of the Interior, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and state/tribal fish and wildlife agencies; may require additional administrative resources for grant management and data oversight.
Citizens: Could lead to improved fisheries management, better protection against invasive species, and enhanced conservation of sport fish populations, potentially benefiting recreational fishing and related economies.
International relations: No direct effects identified in the legislation.

Main Stakeholders Affected

State, local, and Tribal governments.
Institutions of higher education.
Nonprofit organizations.
Sport fishing and boating communities.
Federal agencies involved in natural resource management, such as the United States Geological Survey and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The legislation raises no apparent constitutional concerns, as it falls within Congress's spending and regulatory powers over federal lands and natural resources. It emphasizes science-based approaches to fisheries management without creating new regulatory mandates on private parties. Politically, the bill supports expanded use of genetic monitoring technologies in conservation efforts.

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]

Recent Actions

2026-06-11: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
2026-06-11: Introduced in House
2026-06-11: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Advancing Next-Generation Genetic Learning for Effective Resource Strategy Act — issued 2026-06-11 — PDF (5 pages)