summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
02/14/2025
02/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
119th Congress
Bill Summary
A BILL To amend the Animal Welfare Act to increase enforcement with respect to violations of that Act, and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as Goldie's Act, proposes significant amendments to the Animal Welfare Act to strengthen enforcement and protections for animals. The bill expands the definition of "violation" to include any failure to comply with the Act's provisions and regulations. It requires the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct more rigorous and detailed annual inspections of dealers, exhibitors, research facilities, and other animal-related businesses, mandating thorough documentation of any violations discovered. The bill introduces new provisions allowing inspectors to confiscate animals suffering from physical or psychological harm due to non-compliance, and prohibits the destruction of such animals during the confiscation process. Additionally, the legislation requires the Secretary to share violation records with local law enforcement within 24 hours and establishes a more comprehensive penalty system for violations, with civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, mandatory cease and desist orders, and hearings that must include veterinarians and animal care specialists. The bill aims to create stronger accountability and improve animal welfare by giving the USDA more robust tools to enforce existing animal protection standards.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (55)
Nicole Malliotakis (R)*,
Nanette Barragán (D),
Wesley Bell (D),
Don Beyer (D),
Julia Brownley (D),
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D),
Judy Chu (D),
Lou Correa (D),
Jason Crow (D),
Sharice Davids (D),
Suzan DelBene (D),
Debbie Dingell (D),
Brian Fitzpatrick (R),
Maxwell Frost (D),
Carlos Giménez (R),
Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez (D),
Josh Gottheimer (D),
Jahana Hayes (D),
Steven Horsford (D),
Jared Huffman (D),
Pramila Jayapal (D),
Ro Khanna (D),
Young Kim (R),
Raja Krishnamoorthi (D),
Nick LaLota (R),
George Latimer (D),
Mike Lawler (R),
Stephen Lynch (D),
Nancy Mace (R),
Lucy McBath (D),
April McClain-Delaney (D),
Betty McCollum (D),
Grace Meng (D),
Dan Meuser (R),
Seth Moulton (D),
Richard Neal (D),
Eleanor Holmes Norton (D),
Zach Nunn (R),
Chris Pappas (D),
Chellie Pingree (D),
Mike Quigley (D),
Jamie Raskin (D),
Raul Ruiz (D),
Mary Gay Scanlon (D),
Hillary Scholten (D),
Brad Sherman (D),
Mikie Sherrill (D),
Chris Smith (R),
Eric Sorensen (D),
Shri Thanedar (D),
Dina Titus (D),
Rashida Tlaib (D),
Paul Tonko (D),
Derek Tran (D),
Eugene Vindman (D),
Last Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry. (on 02/14/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/349/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/hr349/BILLS-119hr349ih.pdf |
Loading...