H.R.3199 - Captive Primate Safety Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3199, the Captive Primate Safety Act of 2025, amends the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit certain activities involving prohibited primate species. It defines 'prohibited primate species' and makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, purchase, breed, or possess such species. The bill includes exceptions for entities that register their primates and adhere to specific conditions, such as not breeding or allowing direct public contact.
Expected Effects
The Act aims to reduce the exploitation and potential endangerment of primates kept in captivity. It will likely lead to increased regulation and oversight of primate ownership, potentially impacting individuals and entities currently possessing these animals. The Act also mandates the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations for implementation within 180 days of enactment.
Potential Benefits
- Reduces the risk of zoonotic disease transmission from primates to humans.
- Enhances animal welfare by restricting the private ownership of primates.
- Strengthens conservation efforts by discouraging the trade and breeding of endangered primate species.
- Provides clear legal definitions and prohibitions, aiding enforcement efforts.
- Addresses public safety concerns related to the keeping of potentially dangerous animals.
Potential Disadvantages
- May impose financial burdens on individuals or entities that currently own primates, requiring them to register and comply with new regulations.
- Could lead to the abandonment or improper disposal of primates if owners are unable or unwilling to comply.
- May negatively impact research facilities that rely on primates for research, potentially increasing costs or limiting access.
- Enforcement may strain resources of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Potential for legal challenges from individuals or organizations claiming the law infringes on property rights.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating interstate and foreign commerce related to prohibited primate species. The Act does not appear to infringe upon individual liberties or rights explicitly protected by the Constitution. However, potential legal challenges could arise under the Fifth Amendment regarding property rights if the regulations are deemed to constitute a taking without just compensation.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).