H.R. 6311: Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act
The following summary was written by the Congressional Research Service, a well-respected nonpartisan arm of the Library of Congress
"Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act - Requires the Secretary of the Interior to promulgate regulations establishing a process for assessing the risk of all nonnative wildlife species proposed for importation into the United States, other than those included in a list of approved species issued under this Act. Sets forth factors that must be considered at minimum, including the identity of the organism to the species level, the geographic source, and the likelihood of spread and harm to groups of species or habitats. Provides procedures for issuance and expansion of the approved-for-importation list.
Establishes prohibitions on: (1) importation of nonnative species or viable eggs; (2) permit violation; and (3) knowing possession, purchase, sale, barter, release, or breeding (including of prohibited species previously imported legally). Allows the imposition of fees to recover the costs of assessing risks of nonnative wildlife species. Establishes a Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Fund into which such fees will be deposited."
Important links:
1. This bill modifies U.S. Code title 18 section 42
2. This bill's status can be monitored here
3. Herpetological law and CITES forum on Kingsnake.com
4. Testimony by PET INDUSTRY JOINT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PIJAC)
5. Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council website
The full bill can be read by clicking here