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Ban on Body-Gripping Traps in Wildlife Refuges

This bill aims to prohibit the use and possession of body-gripping traps in federal wildlife refuges. Citizens should be aware that these new rules will affect how animal populations are managed in these areas, with exceptions for certain situations like invasive species control by federal agencies or traditional hunting by Native American tribes in Alaska. Violating the ban could lead to significant fines, imprisonment, and forfeiture of traps.
Key points
Establishes a general prohibition on the possession or use of body-gripping traps within the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Exceptions include federal agencies controlling invasive species or protecting endangered species, provided non-lethal methods have been exhausted.
The ban does not apply to Alaska or to members of federally recognized Indian Tribes for subsistence purposes.
Violations can result in civil fines up to $500 per trap or use, up to 180 days imprisonment, or both, plus forfeiture of traps and captured wildlife.
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue necessary regulations within 120 days of enactment.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Expired
Citizen Poll
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Additional Information
Print number: 118_HR_5217
Sponsor: Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12]
Process start date: 2023-08-15
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Refuge From Cruel Trapping Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 118_HR_5217.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the House of Representatives.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2023-08-15.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Establishes a general prohibition on the possession or use of body-gripping traps within the National Wildlife Refuge System.
  • Exceptions include federal agencies controlling invasive species or protecting endangered species, provided non-lethal methods have been exhausted.
  • The ban does not apply to Alaska or to members of federally recognized Indian Tribes for subsistence purposes.
  • Violations can result in civil fines up to $500 per trap or use, up to 180 days imprisonment, or both, plus forfeiture of traps and captured wildlife.
  • Requires the Secretary of the Interior to issue necessary regulations within 120 days of enactment.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Expired.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-25.

CATEGORIES

Environment Courts and Law