To end the use of steel jaw leghold traps on animals in the United States.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (24 Apr 1995): Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.
What this bill does
H.R. 1404, introduced in 1995, would prohibit the interstate and foreign shipment of steel jaw leghold traps. It would also ban the import, export, and interstate transport of fur products derived from animals caught in these traps. The bill defines "steel jaw leghold trap" as a spring-powered device with two steel jaws designed to capture an animal by its limb.
Violators of this act would face criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment for repeat offenses. The Secretary of the Interior would be empowered to issue regulations, and enforcement officials could detain, search, and seize suspected merchandise, along with making arrests. Individuals providing information leading to a conviction could receive a reward, though government employees are excluded.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in April 1995 and referred to the Committee on Commerce. As it was introduced in the 104th Congress and the latest action listed is "Introduced," it has not advanced further in the legislative process. For the bill to become law, it would need to be considered and passed by the Committee, then by the full House, and subsequently by the Senate, before being signed by the President.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Prohibits the shipment in interstate or foreign commerce of steel jaw leghold traps and of articles of fur derived from animals trapped in such traps. Prescribes criminal penalties for violations of this Act. Directs the Secretary of the Interior to reward nongovernment informers for information leading to a conviction under this Act. Empowers enforcement officials to detain, search, and seize suspected merchandise or documents and to make arrests with and without warrants. Subjects seized merchandise to forfeiture.
Timeline
24 Apr 1995
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 1404 do?
- H.R. 1404, introduced in 1995, would prohibit the interstate and foreign shipment of steel jaw leghold traps. It would also ban the import, export, and interstate transport of fur products derived from animals caught in these traps. The bill defines "steel jaw leghold trap" as a spring-powered device with two steel jaws designed to capture an animal by its limb. Violators of this act would face criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment for repeat offenses. The Secretary of the Interior would be empowered to issue regulations, and enforcement officials could detain, search, and seize suspected merchandise, along with making arrests. Individuals providing information leading to a conviction could receive a reward, though government employees are excluded. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in April 1995 and referred to the Committee on Commerce. As it was introduced in the 104th Congress and the latest action listed is "Introduced," it has not advanced further in the legislative process. For the bill to become law, it would need to be considered and passed by the Committee, then by the full House, and subsequently by the Senate, before being signed by the President.
- Has H.R. 1404 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 1404. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 1404?
- H.R. 1404 was sponsored by Rep. Lowey, Nita M. [D-NY-18] (D-NY), with 93 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 1404?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Hazardous Materials. (24 Apr 1995).
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