Sponsors (45)
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Redesignates existing subsections (h) through (l) as (i) through (m) and inserts a new subsection (h) defining 'prohibited primate species' to mean any live species of nonhuman primate (listing examples and hybrids).
Revises subsection (e) to (1) replace existing paragraph (1) to expand the unlawful acts to include 'prohibited primate species' alongside 'prohibited wildlife species' (covering import, export, transport, sale, receipt, acquisition, purchase in interstate or foreign commerce, and breeding/possession), and (2) amends paragraph (2) exceptions—adjusting subparagraph (C) punctuation and replacing prior subparagraphs (D) and (E) with new subparagraphs that (D) cover custody for expeditious transport, (E) provide a conditional registration and retention exception for animals born before the date of enactment (including registration within 180 days, cessation of breeding/acquiring/selling after enactment, and prohibition on public direct contact), and (F) exempt research facilities registered with the Department of Agriculture.
Makes technical corrections in subsection (b) (correcting 'subpenas' to 'subpoenas' and a related cross-reference phrase) and strikes the phrase 'Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976' in subsection (e) (replacement text not shown in this section).
Amends subsection (b) to change punctuation following 'Attorney General' (from semicolon to colon) and corrects 'subpena' to 'subpoena' in the proviso sentence.
Replaces a reference to the 'Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976' in subsection (a) with the 'Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act'.
Adds a legal definition for “prohibited primate species” and generally bans the trade and possession of those primates except for narrowly listed exceptions. Current owners of certain prohibited primates must follow new registration and conduct rules; limited transport and registered research uses are allowed. The Interior Secretary must issue implementing regulations within 180 days, and the bill makes technical wording fixes to the Lacey Act to support enforcement.
Redesignates subsections (h) through (l) of Section 2 of the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 as subsections (i) through (m).
Adds a new subsection (h) defining “prohibited primate species” as any live species of nonhuman primate, and explicitly lists chimpanzee, galago, gibbon, gorilla, lemur, loris, monkey, orangutan, tarsier, or any hybrid of such species.
Revises Section 3(e)(1) to make it unlawful, except as paragraph (2) provides, for any person to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, or purchase in interstate or foreign commerce (or in a manner substantially affecting interstate or foreign commerce) any prohibited wildlife species or prohibited primate species.
Revises Section 3(e)(1) to make it unlawful, except as paragraph (2) provides, for any person to breed or possess any prohibited wildlife species or prohibited primate species.
Amends paragraph (2) of Section 3(e): in subparagraph (C) inserts wording after each place it appears, and replaces prior subparagraphs (D) and (E) with new subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F) that specify exceptions and conditions.
Who is affected and how:
Private owners and exotic pet holders: Owners of primates identified as "prohibited" will face legal restrictions, likely must register animals, comply with conduct standards, and may need to transfer or surrender animals if they cannot meet requirements. This creates direct compliance costs (registration fees if any, facility changes, transport) and potential loss of property/use rights for owners who cannot meet rules.
Dealers, breeders, and sellers: Commercial actors in the exotic-animal trade will be largely prohibited from selling or transporting prohibited primates, reducing market activity and exposing them to enforcement risk for noncompliance. Businesses will need to alter operations and possibly cease sales of covered species.
Research institutions and universities: The bill allows registered research uses under the new rules, so academic and research users may continue some work but will need to register, meet conduct/handling standards, and follow any reporting requirements established by Interior. Some projects may be delayed until regulations clarify permitted research.
Zoos, aquariums, and sanctuaries (nonprofits): These institutions may qualify for narrow exceptions but will need to register and comply with regulations (care, transport, recordkeeping). Some institutions might face additional operational burdens to meet new standards.
Wildlife trafficking enforcement and conservation: The prohibition should strengthen legal tools to limit illegal trade in primates and support animal welfare and conservation goals; enforcement agencies will rely on the Lacey Act changes to pursue violations after regulations are in place.
Regulatory timeline and uncertainty: Significant detail and operational rules (definitions of covered species, registration processes, permitted exceptions, penalties, and compliance deadlines) will come from regulations the Secretary must issue within 180 days, so affected parties will face near-term uncertainty until those rules are final.
Potential broader effects:
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced May 5, 2025 by Mike Quigley · Last progress May 5, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Introduced in House