Bill
HR 578
H.R. 578 ceremonial recognizes the Sport Fish Restoration Program’s 75-year contribution to fisheries conservation and commends anglers, industry, and agencies involved.
Status and basic info
- Bill number / title: H.R. 578 — “Sport Fish Restoration Program; part of the American System of Conservation Funding; 75th anniversary; recognize.”
- Classification: House resolution (ceremonial/commemorative)
- Introduced: January 21, 2025
- Final House action: Read and Adopted / Reported enrolled — adopted by the House on March 31, 2025; reported enrolled April 1, 2025.
- Primary sponsors (as listed in the text): Chas Cannon, Trey Rhodes, Jesse Petrea, Lauren McDonald III, Trey Kelley, Randy Feenstra (and numerous cosponsors listed).
- Committee referral: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary (1/21/2025).
Purpose and intent
- The resolution formally recognizes and commends the Sport Fish Restoration Program on the 75th anniversary of its establishment as part of the “American System of Conservation Funding.”
- It highlights the historical role of anglers, boaters, the sportfishing industry, state fish and wildlife agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in fisheries conservation and restoration.
Key provisions (what the resolution says)
- Commends the Sport Fish Restoration Program and the cooperative partnership among anglers, the sportfishing industry, boaters, USFWS, and state natural resource agencies for successful fisheries management and restoration efforts.
- Recites historical and program facts, including:
- The program’s origin in the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950 and expansion via the Wallop-Breaux amendment in 1984.
- Funding mechanisms: manufacturers’ excise taxes on fishing equipment and excise taxes on motorboat and small engine fuels that are primarily distributed to states through USFWS for fisheries conservation, management, and access.
- Historical contribution numbers cited in the text: combined Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs and license fees have contributed more than $78 billion to state fish and wildlife agencies since 1939.
- Directs the Clerk of the House to make appropriate copies of the resolution available to the press and public.
Who is affected / impacted
- Directly recognized groups: anglers and boaters, the sportfishing industry, state fish and wildlife agencies, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Indirect beneficiaries: the public and future generations who benefit from restored and managed fisheries and improved angler/boater access.
- Note: As a House resolution of commendation, it does not change law, budget authority, or program funding.
Practical and procedural notes
- This is a non‑binding, commemorative resolution intended to recognize and publicize the 75th anniversary and the program’s role in conservation.
- Because it is not a statute, the resolution does not authorize new spending, change tax or excise structures, or alter how funds are administered. The only operative direction is administrative (making copies available for distribution).
Bottom line
H.R. 578 is a ceremonial resolution that acknowledges the Sport Fish Restoration Program’s 75‑year contribution to fisheries conservation, notes the funding mechanisms and historic outcomes credited to the program, and commends the stakeholders involved. It serves to raise awareness and formally recognize the program’s anniversary rather than to effect policy or budgetary change.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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