Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023
HR 615, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2023, prevents federal agencies from banning lead ammunition or tackle on public lands and waters managed for hunting or fishing, except in specific cases. The bill allows exceptions only if a state wildlife department confirms lead use is harming local wildlife, and the federal action aligns with state law or state agency approval. It directly affects hunters and anglers using federal lands and waters, ensuring they can continue using lead products unless a state verifies a local wildlife issue requiring a ban. The law requires federal agencies to justify any exception with state data and policy compliance in official notices.
Bill status
passed
3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2023
Committee Review
May 2024
House Passage
Apr 2024
Senate Passage
President
Introduced Jan 27, 2023
Last action May 1, 2024
Floor votes · House Apr 30, 2024
How they voted
214–201
Passed · 14 other
Total votes 429
Apr 30, 2024
D
Democratic212
93% Nay
I
Independent1
100% Yea
R
Republican216
95% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
26
Key actions
10
Committee
12
Amendments
1
May 1, 2024
Committee
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
upper
Apr 30, 2024
Lower · Passed
On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 201 (Roll no. 167). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2735)
lower
Apr 30, 2024
Lower · Passed
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 214 - 201 (Roll no. 167). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H2735)
lower
Apr 30, 2024
Lower · Passed
Mrs. Dingell moved to recommit to the Committee on Natural Resources. (text: CR H2740)
lower
Apr 29, 2024
Lower · Passed
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1173 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 615, H.R. 2925, H.R. 3195, H.R. 764, H.R. 3397, H.R. 6285 and H.R. 6090. The rule provides for consideration of H.R. 615, H.R. 2925, H.R. 3195, H.R. 764, H.R. 3397, and H.R. 6090 under a closed rule, and H.R. 6285 under a structured rule. The rule provides for one hour of general debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
lower
Apr 29, 2024
Lower · Passed
Supplemental report filed by the Committee on Natural Resources, H. Rept. 118-203, Part II.
lower
Sep 20, 2023
Lower · Passed
Committee on Agriculture discharged.
lower
Sep 20, 2023
Lower · Passed
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 118-203, Part I.
lower
Jun 21, 2023
Introduced
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 21 - 15.
lower
Jun 21, 2023
Lower · Passed
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
lower
Jun 21, 2023
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries Discharged.
lower
May 10, 2023
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
lower
Feb 21, 2023
Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife, and Fisheries.
lower
Feb 13, 2023
Committee
Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry.
lower
Jan 27, 2023
Committee
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
lower
Jan 27, 2023
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
1 primary · 50 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Robert J. Wittman
RRepublican
Co
Andy Biggs
RRepublican
Co
Andy Harris
RRepublican
Co
Ann Wagner
RRepublican
Co
August Pfluger
RRepublican
Co
Austin Scott
RRepublican
Co
Barry Moore
RRepublican
Co
Bob Good
RRepublican
Co
Brad Finstad
RRepublican
Co
Burgess Owens
RRepublican
Co
Byron Donalds
RRepublican
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