H.R. 3623

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend title 49, United States Code, to prohibit the transportation of horses in interstate transportation in a motor vehicle containing 2 or more levels stacked on top of one another, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · May 29, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Cohen · Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Table of contents

• H.R. 3623
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Transportation of horses

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Horse Transportation Safety Act of 2025.

SEC. 2. Transportation of horses

• Section 80502 of title 49, United States Code, is amended—
  • in subsection (c), by striking This section does notand inserting Subsections (a) and (b) shall not;
  • by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e);
  • by inserting after subsection (c) the following:
    • (d) Transportation of horses
      • (1) Prohibition
        • No person may transport, or cause to be transported, a horse from a place in a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States through or to a place in another State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States in a motor vehicle containing 2 or more levels stacked on top of each other.
      • (2) Motor vehicle defined
        • In this subsection, the term — motor vehicle
          • means a vehicle driven or drawn by mechanical power and manufactured primarily for use on public highways; and
          • does not include a vehicle operated exclusively on a rail or rails.
  • in subsection (e), as redesignated—
    • by striking and inserting the following:
      • (1) In general
        • A rail carrier
    • by striking this sectionand inserting subsection (a) or (b); and
    • by striking and inserting the following:
      • (2) Transportation of horses in multilevel trailer
        • (A) Civil penalty
          • A person that knowingly violates subsection (d) is liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of at least $100, but not more than $500, for each violation. A separate violation of subsection (d) occurs for each horse that is transported, or caused to be transported, in violation of subsection (d).
        • (B) Relationship to other laws
          • The penalty imposed under subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to any penalty or remedy available under any other law or common law.
      • (3) Civil action
        • On learning