Bills · HR 3188
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 3188Environmental Protection
Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2025
INTRO MAY 5· LAST ACTION MAY 5
READING
5MIN
COSPONSORS
13
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it aims to resolve a long-standing legal debate about how migratory birds are protected in the U.S. For years, there has been uncertainty about whether accidental harm to birds falls under the existing Migratory Bird Treaty Act, leading to inconsistent enforcement and legal challenges. This bill provides a clear answer, establishing that such harm is prohibited.
If this bill becomes law, it will create a predictable system for both conservation and industry. Businesses will have a clear process to obtain permits for activities that might incidentally affect birds, reducing legal risks and providing regulatory certainty. At the same time, it ensures more consistent protection for bird populations by holding entities accountable for incidental harm and dedicating resources to conservation. Without this bill, the legal interpretation of incidental take could continue to fluctuate, creating instability for both wildlife and the industries that might impact them.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Amends the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to explicitly include "incidental take" (accidental harm) within its prohibitions against harming migratory birds.
This resolves a long-standing legal ambiguity about whether unintentional harm to birds is illegal under federal law.
PROVISION 02
Directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to create a new permit system allowing businesses and individuals to legally conduct activities that might incidentally harm migratory birds.
This establishes a clear regulatory pathway for industries to operate while mitigating and accounting for potential harm to birds.
PROVISION 03
Establishes civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation for incidental take without authorization or in violation of permit terms, with harsher penalties for reckless or grossly negligent conduct.
This provides enforcement tools and financial incentives for compliance with the new permitting system and promotes responsible conduct.
PROVISION 04
Authorizes the FWS to collect fees for these permits and establishes a "Migratory Bird Recovery Fund" to use these fees, penalties, and appropriations for administrative costs and bird conservation.
This creates a dedicated funding stream to support the new permit program and broader bird conservation efforts.
PROVISION 05
Requires the Secretary of the Interior to establish a research program to monitor bird populations, understand threats, and develop solutions to reduce harm from regulated activities.
This promotes scientific understanding and evidence-based strategies for improving bird conservation outcomes.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 13
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
13
BILLS LED
29
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 15%
DEM 12 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSMAY 5
Introduced in House
MAY 5
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 3188
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedMay 5, 2025
Last actionMay 5, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAY 5, 2025
House BillHR 3188Environmental Protection
Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2025
INTRODUCED MAY 5, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 5, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
5 min
COSPONSORS
13
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
