6 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in PUBLIC LAWcompared with ENROLLED BILL

Technical corrections only. v6 represents the Public Law version of the bill, incorporating the Public Law number, approval date, and legislative history. No substantive policy changes were made between v5 and v6; the operative text remains identical.

H.R. 2316119th CongressIntroduced Mar 25, 2025

Wetlands Conservation and Access Improvement Act of 2025

Became Public LawPublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Hurd, Jeff [R-CO-3]
Committees: Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
Last action: Nov 25, 2025

Bottom line

This Act postpones the distribution of interest earnings from the Pittman-Robertson fund to states for wildlife restoration and conservation programs by seven years.

What it actually does

This Act amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to delay the availability of interest earned on obligations held within the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund. Specifically, it changes the year when this interest becomes available for apportionment to states from fiscal year 2026 to fiscal year 2033, effectively postponing the distribution of these funds by seven years.

Proponents argue

Proponents argue that delaying the apportionment of interest allows the fund to grow larger, providing a more substantial base for future wildlife conservation efforts. This strategic deferral could ensure greater long-term financial stability and capacity for critical programs, ultimately benefiting wildlife populations and recreational access for hunters and shooters.

Opponents contend

Opponents might argue that delaying the availability of these funds deprives states of immediate resources needed for ongoing wildlife management, habitat restoration, and hunter education programs. This deferral could create short-term funding gaps or force states to scale back current initiatives, potentially hindering conservation progress in the interim period.

The bill text is extremely short and easy to read, making it highly accessible for anyone to understand its direct impact.

Section 2

Delay in Availability of Interest on Wildlife Restoration Fund

prominently featuredstraightforward

This section amends the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to change the date when interest earned on the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund becomes available for distribution. Previously, this interest was set to become available for apportionment to states starting in fiscal year 2026. This Act pushes that date back to fiscal year 2033, meaning the interest will remain in the fund for an additional seven years before it can be allocated for state wildlife projects.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupState wildlife agenciesImpactDelayed access to federal fundingMechanismPostponement of interest apportionment from the Pittman-Robertson fund.ScaleAffects all states receiving Pittman-Robertson funds, delaying millions in potential interest earnings.

GroupWildlife conservation programsImpactPotential short-term funding reduction, long-term fund growthMechanismInterest earnings are held longer, reducing immediate funds but increasing future principal.ScaleImpacts the scope and timing of various conservation, habitat restoration, and hunter education projects.

GroupHunters and recreational shootersImpactIndirect impact on conservation efforts funded by their excise taxes.MechanismTheir contributions (via excise taxes) will have interest earnings deferred, potentially leading to larger future investments in areas they care about.ScaleBroad, as these groups are primary contributors to the fund and beneficiaries of its programs.

Supporters argue

Supporters argue that allowing the interest to accrue for an additional seven years will significantly increase the principal of the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund. This larger base will generate more substantial future apportionments, providing a more robust and sustainable funding source for long-term wildlife conservation and public access initiatives across states, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of the Pittman-Robertson program.

Critics contend

Critics contend that this delay will create an immediate funding shortfall for state wildlife agencies, forcing them to defer or cancel critical conservation projects, habitat improvements, and hunter education programs that rely on these annual interest distributions. They argue that the immediate needs of wildlife and state programs should not be sacrificed for speculative future gains, especially given ongoing conservation challenges.

Tradeoffs

The primary tradeoff is between immediate funding for state wildlife programs and the long-term growth and stability of the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Fund. It balances the urgency of current conservation needs against the potential for a larger, more impactful funding source in the future.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.