Bill would give captive-bred endangered animals same status as wild ones
In markupH.R. 181Latest action
Sponsor: Tom McClintock · Representative · CA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to provide that artificially propagated animals shall be treated the same under that Act as naturally propagated animals, and for other purposes.
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 181 bars treating captive-bred endangered species differently from wild ones under federal law.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill stops the government from giving captive-bred or artificially propagated animals less legal protection than wild ones under the Endangered Species Act. It also requires the Secretary of the Interior or Commerce to allow captive breeding to count toward mitigation requirements for projects that harm protected species. The changes apply to species listed before and after the bill becomes law.
Who does it affect?
Affects wildlife agencies, conservation groups, zoos, and breeding facilities, as well as landowners and businesses in construction, energy, or agriculture whose projects impact endangered species.
Why does it matter?
Captive-bred animals would carry the same legal weight as wild ones in regulatory decisions, potentially letting developers rely on breeding programs instead of habitat protection to meet legal requirements.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Based on the “Introduced in House” text of Jan 3, 2025.
After that text, a committee agreed on Sep 15, 2026 to send the bill to the full chamber with changes. This plain-language version may not reflect them.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 3, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Sep 15, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 17.