S.1594 - Captive Primate Safety Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1594, the Captive Primate Safety Act, aims to amend the Lacey Act Amendments of 1981 to prohibit certain activities involving prohibited primate species. The bill defines 'prohibited primate species' and makes it unlawful to import, export, transport, sell, receive, acquire, purchase, breed, or possess such species. It includes exceptions for entities transporting primates to registered facilities, those who possessed primates before the Act's enactment if they register the animals, and research facilities registered with the Department of Agriculture.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely reduce the trade and ownership of primates as pets, potentially decreasing the risk of zoonotic disease transmission and improving animal welfare. It will also require the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations for implementation within 180 days of enactment. The Act could also impact research facilities and individuals who currently own primates, requiring them to register their animals and adhere to specific restrictions.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced risk of zoonotic disease transmission from primates to humans.
- Improved welfare for primates by restricting their use as pets.
- Strengthened enforcement against illegal wildlife trade.
- Provides clear definitions and regulations regarding prohibited primate species.
- Supports conservation efforts by discouraging the exploitation of primate species.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential burden on individuals and entities currently possessing primates to register and comply with new regulations.
- Possible increased costs for research facilities using primates due to registration and compliance requirements.
- Enforcement challenges in tracking and regulating the possession of prohibited primate species.
- Possible loopholes or ambiguities in the definitions and exceptions that could be exploited.
- Potential for a black market to develop for prohibited primate species.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) by regulating interstate and foreign commerce related to prohibited primate species. It also falls under the federal government's power to protect wildlife and regulate activities that affect public health and safety. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or freedoms.
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).