This bill updates endangered species rules for sturgeon kept in farms or other controlled settings. If a sturgeon was already legally in captivity on the day the law takes effect—and for any of its offspring—the strict federal wildlife protections don’t apply while they remain in captivity. If they are intentionally released into the wild, the usual protections snap back into place. Facilities must be able to prove the fish qualify and keep records the government can request, but agencies should avoid making people submit the same paperwork twice.

Key points

• Who is affected: Sturgeon farms, hatcheries, aquariums, and others legally holding sturgeon in tanks or ponds.
• What changes: Certain endangered species rules are relaxed for these captive sturgeon and their offspring; holders must keep inventories and documentation to show compliance.
• When it applies: For sturgeon already in captivity on the law’s effective date, and for their future offspring, until they are intentionally returned to the wild.

Introduced June 17, 2025 by Randy Fine · Last progress June 17, 2025