Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023
Impact
If enacted, SB1185 would create a legal barrier against the imposition of bans on lead ammunition or tackle unless specific conditions are met. This would entail a significant shift in policy regarding how wildlife conservation is managed on federal lands. Key provisions allow for exceptions only if evidence definitively shows a decline in wildlife populations directly attributed to lead use in the specified areas, thus giving states significant say over the enforcement of these regulations. Consequently, this could lead to an increase in hunting and angling activities on federal lands, but may also challenge ongoing conservation efforts aimed at reducing lead-related environmental hazards.
Summary
SB1185, titled the 'Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023,' seeks to prevent the Secretaries of the Interior and Agriculture from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on certain federal lands and waters managed by these agencies. The main thrust of the legislation is to ensure that hunters and anglers can use their preferred tools without onerous restrictions aimed at environmental protection, specifically concerning lead-based products. By prohibiting such regulations, the bill aims to maintain hunting and fishing access across federal jurisdictions.
Contention
The bill has raised debates among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that the legislation supports the rights of hunters and anglers and sustains traditional practices integral to many communities. Additionally, they contend that the bill limits unnecessary government overreach into recreational activities. On the other hand, critics express concerns that by preventing lead regulation, the bill undermines efforts aimed at wildlife conservation and environmental safety. They warn that the usage of lead ammunition is known to have detrimental effects on wildlife health and may pose risks to ecosystems, thus spotlighting a divide between recreational rights and conservation responsibilities.
Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025This bill prohibits persons associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States.Specifically, the President must prohibit any person (individual or entity) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of these foreign governments from purchasing or leasing (1) public agricultural land that is owned by the United States and administered by a federal department or agency, or (2) private agricultural land that is located in the United States.A person that violates or attempts to violate this prohibition is subject to civil and criminal penalties. This prohibition does not require a person that owns or leases agricultural land as of the date of this bill's enactment to sell that land.Further, the President must prohibit a person associated with these foreign governments and who leases, or who has full or partial ownership of, agricultural land in the United States from participating in Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Exceptions are included to allow for participation in USDA programs related to food safety, the health and labor safety of individuals, or certain reporting and disclosure requirements.The bill excludes U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from these restrictions.The bill also amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) to require reporting on security interests and leases.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on AFIDA.
Reviving a law providing for discounted hunting and fishing licenses for persons who are 65 years of age or older; changing the amount charged for lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for children five and younger to $300 and for those children ages six to 15 to $400, prohibiting non-residents from hunting migratory waterfowl on public lands during the hunting season except on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays; raising certain hunting fees; and requiring the department of wildlife and parks to report to the house and senate committees on agriculture and natural resources on the impact of limiting out of state waterfowl hunters.
Reforms the organizational structure for the Department of Transportation and Development including its duties, powers, and responsibilities of officers and employees (EN INCREASE SD EX See Note)
A bill for an act providing for certain business entities acting under the jurisdiction of the secretary of state by providing for the removal of information from a filing based on a sworn affidavit and administrative dissolution based on the response to interrogatories.(See HF 2678.)