Supporting the designation of March 15, 2025, as "National Osceola Turkey Day".
- Bill Number
- H.Res. 215
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Animals
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2025-03-22T08:06:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This House Resolution (H. Res. 215) expresses support for designating March 15, 2025, as "National Osceola Turkey Day." It aims to recognize the historical, cultural, economic, and conservation significance of wild turkeys, particularly the Osceola subspecies unique to Florida, while promoting hunting traditions and habitat management.
Key Provisions
- Support for Designation: The House of Representatives officially supports naming March 15, 2025, as National Osceola Turkey Day, coinciding with the opening day of Florida's statewide wild turkey hunting season.
- Encouragement of Observance: It urges people across the United States to mark the day with suitable events and activities, such as celebrations of turkey hunting heritage and conservation efforts.
- Background Context: The resolution highlights facts about wild turkeys, including their role in U.S. history (e.g., at the first Thanksgiving), health benefits as a lean protein source, economic contributions from hunting (e.g., $76.9 million spent annually by hunters since 1985, with a $128.7 million impact), and Florida-specific programs like the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program, which has funded habitat management on over 1 million acres since 1994.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This is a non-binding resolution, so it introduces no changes to existing laws or regulations. It serves as a symbolic gesture without legal enforcement or new mandates.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May increase public awareness and participation in turkey hunting, conservation activities, and educational events, fostering appreciation for wildlife traditions. It could boost tourism and local economies in Florida, where about 31,085 hunters (including 5,453 nonresidents) participated in the 2024 spring season.
- On Government Agencies: Indirectly supports agencies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by highlighting revenue from turkey permits used for research, management, and habitat programs. No direct funding or policy shifts are required.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the resolution focuses on domestic U.S. history and wildlife.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Turkey Hunters and Enthusiasts: Directly benefits those pursuing wild turkeys, especially the challenging Osceola subspecies, and those seeking a "Grand Slam" (harvesting all four U.S. subspecies, requiring a Florida hunt).
- Conservation Organizations and Land Managers: Supports programs like Florida's Wild Turkey Cost Share Program, the largest public-private partnership for turkey habitat on public lands.
- Florida Residents and Officials: Emphasizes the state's unique role in turkey subspecies (Osceola and eastern wild turkey) and hunting culture; introduced by Florida representatives.
- Broader Public: Encourages general observance, potentially educating families on wildlife history and healthy eating.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution, it has no force of law and requires no presidential approval or Senate concurrence. It aligns with congressional practices for recognizing awareness days without altering statutes.
- Constitutional: No implications; it falls under Congress's broad authority to express opinions on cultural matters under the First Amendment's free speech protections for legislative bodies.
- Political: Symbolically promotes bipartisan support for hunting, conservation, and rural economies (introduced by six Florida representatives). It underscores Florida's influence in wildlife policy but avoids controversy, focusing on positive heritage aspects.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Franklin, Scott [R-FL-18]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-11: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2025-03-11: Submitted in House
- 2025-03-11: Submitted in House
Bill Versions
- Supporting the designation of March 15, 2025, as "National Osceola Turkey Day". — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (3 pages)