Bear Poaching Elimination Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9631
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-10T10:23:22Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to protect global bear populations by banning the commercial trade in bear viscera (internal organs and body fluids, such as the gallbladder) and products made from them. It seeks to prevent the United States from contributing to poaching and illegal trade while supporting international conservation efforts.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: Clarifies terms like "bear viscera" (excluding blood and brains), "bear viscera product" (items containing or labeled as containing such materials), and references the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
- Prohibited Acts: Bans importing or exporting bear viscera or products into or from the United States, as well as selling, buying, possessing, or transporting them in interstate or foreign commerce. An exception allows law enforcement activities with valid CITES permits.
- Penalties and Enforcement: Imposes criminal penalties (fines or up to 1 year imprisonment) and civil penalties (up to $25,000 per violation). Items involved in violations may be seized and forfeited. Enforcement follows procedures from the Endangered Species Act, involving the Secretary of the Interior, Treasury, and Coast Guard.
- International Efforts: Directs the Secretary of the Interior to hold discussions with CITES member countries and key non-member importers/exporters to reduce the bear viscera trade.
- Savings Clause: Preserves state authority over bear populations, lawful state-regulated hunting, and use in traditional Native American ceremonies.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces new federal prohibitions specifically targeting bear viscera trade, extending beyond general CITES and Endangered Species Act frameworks. It adds dedicated penalties, seizure rules, and enforcement mechanisms modeled on existing wildlife laws but tailored to this issue. It also mandates ongoing international discussions not previously required in this form.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases enforcement duties for the Department of the Interior, Treasury, and Coast Guard, potentially requiring new regulations and coordination.
- Citizens: Limits commercial activities involving bear parts but allows continued lawful hunting and cultural practices.
- International Relations: Promotes bilateral and multilateral talks to curb global trade, aligning U.S. policy with CITES resolutions without altering treaty obligations.
Main Stakeholders
- Federal agencies responsible for wildlife enforcement and trade regulation.
- State wildlife management bodies.
- International partners under CITES and non-member trading nations.
- Bear conservation organizations and traditional medicine or cosmetics industries.
- Native American communities and hunters operating under state laws.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill relies on federal authority over interstate and foreign commerce to regulate wildlife trade. It integrates with existing treaties and statutes like CITES and the Endangered Species Act, potentially raising questions about federal versus state jurisdiction in wildlife matters, though it explicitly preserves state hunting regulations. Enforcement provisions emphasize forfeiture and civil penalties, consistent with other environmental laws.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. McCaul, Michael T. [R-TX-10]
Cosponsors (3)
Rep. Lieu, Ted [D-CA-36], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Goodlander, Maggie [D-NH-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-07-09: Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-07-09: Introduced in House
- 2026-07-09: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Bear Poaching Elimination Act — issued 2026-07-09 — PDF (8 pages)