WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 1676

Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Vern Buchanan and 9 co-sponsors

The Make SWAPs Efficient Act mandates the Secretary of the Interior approve state wildlife plans within 180 days, boosting conservation efforts and funding access.

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-282.
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 1676

Summary of HR 1676: Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025

Overview

The Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025 (HR 1676) aims to streamline the approval process for State Wildlife Action Plans (SWAPs) under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. Introduced on February 27, 2025, the bill has been reported (amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources and is currently under consideration in the House of Representatives.

Purpose

The primary intent of HR 1676 is to ensure that the Secretary of the Interior approves state wildlife conservation and restoration programs within a specified timeframe, thereby enhancing the efficiency of wildlife conservation efforts across the United States.

Key Provisions

  1. Approval Timeline:

    • The Secretary of the Interior is required to approve a state's wildlife conservation and restoration program within 180 days of submission.
    • Conditional approval is granted upon submission, allowing states to begin implementation and access funding immediately.

  2. Reporting Requirement:

    • If a state's program is not approved within the 180-day period, the Secretary must submit a report to Congress by June 1 of the following year. This report will detail the status of the comprehensive plan and the reasons for any delays in approval.

  3. Consultation and Process Development:

    • The Secretary, in consultation with states, is tasked with developing a process to ensure timely reviews and approvals of SWAPs.

  4. Congressional Intent:

    • The bill emphasizes Congress's intent for the Secretary to prioritize the timely review and approval of SWAPs.

Impact

  • States and Territories: The bill affects all states and territories that submit SWAPs, which are essential for receiving federal funding through the State Wildlife Grant Program.
  • Wildlife Conservation: By expediting the approval process, the bill aims to enhance conservation efforts, allowing states to address wildlife and habitat threats more effectively.
  • Bureaucratic Efficiency: The legislation seeks to reduce bureaucratic delays that have historically extended the approval process up to 18 months, thereby improving the overall efficiency of wildlife management.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 27, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • June 24, 2025: Subcommittee hearings held.
  • July 15, 2025: Committee on Natural Resources ordered the bill to be reported in the nature of a substitute by unanimous consent.
  • September 15, 2025: Reported (amended) by the Committee on Natural Resources and placed on the Union Calendar.

Sponsors

The bill is primarily sponsored by Byron Donalds and has several cosponsors, including:
- Daniel Webster
- Scott Franklin
- Mike Haridopolos
- Vern Buchanan
- Jared Moskowitz
- John H. Rutherford
- Michael Guest
- Mario Diaz-Balart
- John James

Conclusion

The Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025 represents a significant step toward improving the efficiency of wildlife conservation planning at the state level. By mandating timely approvals and conditional funding, the bill aims to bolster conservation efforts and ensure that states can effectively manage their wildlife resources.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.