A bill to end the use of steel jaw leghold traps on animals in the United States, and for other purposes.
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (24 Apr 1996): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
What this bill does
This bill proposes to ban the use of steel jaw leghold traps by prohibiting their shipment in interstate or foreign commerce. It also prohibits the shipment of fur products derived from animals trapped using these devices. Violators would face criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment for repeat offenses.
The bill affects individuals and businesses involved in the production, sale, and trade of steel jaw leghold traps and fur articles. Enforcement would be carried out by the Secretary of the Interior, with powers to detain, search, seize, and make arrests. Informants providing information leading to a conviction could receive a reward.
Introduced in the Senate in 1996 during the 104th Congress, the bill was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet advanced to become law. For it to become law, it would need to be passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and then 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 1996
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
Common questions
- What does S. 1701 do?
- This bill proposes to ban the use of steel jaw leghold traps by prohibiting their shipment in interstate or foreign commerce. It also prohibits the shipment of fur products derived from animals trapped using these devices. Violators would face criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment for repeat offenses. The bill affects individuals and businesses involved in the production, sale, and trade of steel jaw leghold traps and fur articles. Enforcement would be carried out by the Secretary of the Interior, with powers to detain, search, seize, and make arrests. Informants providing information leading to a conviction could receive a reward. Introduced in the Senate in 1996 during the 104th Congress, the bill was referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Its current status is "Introduced," meaning it has not yet advanced to become law. For it to become law, it would need to be passed by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and then signed by the President.
- Has S. 1701 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1701. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1701?
- S. 1701 was sponsored by Sen. Pell, Claiborne [D-RI] (D-RI), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1701?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (24 Apr 1996).
Related bills in Animals
To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to change certain requirements regarding certain allowed take of marine mammals, and for other purposes.
SWIMS Act of 2026
Animal Welfare Enforcement Improvement Act
Responsible Cormorant Management and Control Act of 2026
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.