Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act
- Bill Number
- S. 1596
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-30
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-24: Became Public Law No: 119-30.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-15T19:09:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to honor Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl murdered in Houston, Texas, by renaming an existing national wildlife refuge in her name. It recognizes her love for animals and the refuge's proximity to her hometown, while formalizing a prior presidential executive order.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The act is titled the "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act."
- Findings: Congress notes the tragic murder of Jocelyn Nungaray on June 17, 2024, allegedly by two undocumented immigrants linked to the Tren de Aragua gang; a 2025 executive order by President Donald J. Trump renaming the refuge; and the appropriateness of the rename given her affinity for animals and the location near Houston.
- Renaming: The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas is redesignated as the "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge."
- References: All mentions of the refuge in U.S. laws, maps, regulations, documents, or records are automatically updated to reflect the new name.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This act codifies and makes permanent the name change initiated by Executive Order 14229 (issued March 4, 2025), shifting it from an executive action to statutory law.
- It does not alter the refuge's boundaries, management, or operations but ensures consistent naming across federal materials, superseding any prior references to "Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge."
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (the agency managing national wildlife refuges) will need to update signage, maps, websites, and records, involving minor administrative costs but no major operational shifts.
- Citizens: Symbolic recognition may raise public awareness of wildlife conservation and personal stories of loss; visitors to the refuge (near Houston) could see increased educational or commemorative elements, potentially boosting local tourism or community engagement.
- International Relations: No direct impacts, though the findings reference crimes by undocumented immigrants, which could indirectly influence U.S. immigration policy discussions without affecting foreign relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Primary manager of the refuge, responsible for implementing the name change.
- Family and Community of Jocelyn Nungaray: Direct honorees, potentially gaining a lasting memorial.
- Local Residents and Visitors: Texans near Houston, including wildlife enthusiasts, who interact with the refuge.
- Immigration and Law Enforcement Groups: Indirectly affected due to the bill's mention of the murder's circumstances, which may highlight border security issues.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens the name change by embedding it in federal statute, making it harder to reverse without new legislation; ensures uniformity under the Administrative Procedure Act for federal references.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article IV to manage federal lands and honors, with no apparent conflicts.
- Political: Serves as a symbolic gesture tying environmental naming to a high-profile crime victim case, potentially fueling debates on immigration and public safety without mandating policy changes; neutral in enforcement but evocative in congressional findings.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-24: Became Public Law No: 119-30.
- 2025-07-24: Became Public Law No: 119-30.
- 2025-07-24: Signed by President.
- 2025-07-24: Signed by President.
- 2025-07-17: Presented to President.
- 2025-07-17: Presented to President.
- 2025-07-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2025-07-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 372 - 0 (Roll no. 193). (text: CR H3226-3227) (Roll call 193)
- 2025-07-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 372 - 0 (Roll no. 193). (text: CR H3226-3227: 2) (Roll call 193)
- 2025-07-14: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3231-3232)
- 2025-07-14: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
- 2025-07-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1596.
- 2025-07-14: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3226-3227)
- 2025-07-14: Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 2025-05-15: Held at the desk.
Bill Versions
- Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act — issued 2025-07-17 — PDF (2 pages)
- Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act — issued 2025-05-13 — PDF (4 pages)
- Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act — issued 2025-05-05 — PDF (2 pages)