Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025
In Committee
Introduced:Feb 12, 2025
Primary Sponsor
Steve Daines
Senator
Republican
MT
Cosponsors
33
Quick Stats
Policy Area
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Summary
This bill prohibits federal agencies from banning or regulating lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands and waters. Exceptions exist for areas where field data shows lead is causing wildlife population decline and the state approves regulations. Certain existing regulations remain in effect.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill prohibits federal agencies from banning or regulating lead ammunition and tackle on federal lands and waters. Exceptions exist for areas where field data shows lead is causing wildlife population decline and the state approves regulations. Certain existing regulations remain in effect.
Last updated: 1/6/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill bars the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Forest Service from prohibiting or regulating the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal land or water. The bill makes exceptions for specified existing regulations and where the FWS, the BLM, or the Forest Service determines that a decline in wildlife population at the specific unit of federal land or water is primarily caused by the use of lead in ammunition or tackle, based on the field data from such unit, and the state approves the regulations.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Bars federal agencies from banning lead ammunition on federal land
Prohibits lead tackle restrictions on federal waters
Allows exceptions where field data proves wildlife harm
Requires state approval for any lead restrictions
Applies to Fish and Wildlife, BLM, and Forest Service
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Hunters and anglers could continue using lead ammunition and tackle on most federal lands. Federal agencies could only restrict lead where there is specific evidence of wildlife population decline caused by lead at that location.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
537, 119th Congress (2025). "Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-537
