Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (14 Sep 2026): Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026, would amend a provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 that governs how long certain federal regulations related to protecting the North Atlantic right whale remain in effect. Specifically, the bill changes the year "2028" to "2035" wherever it appears in that section, extending the applicable time period for those regulations by seven years.
The bill primarily affects the lobster and fishing industry in the Northeast, particularly operators subject to federal rules intended to reduce risks to North Atlantic right whales, an endangered species. By extending the regulatory timeline referenced in the 2023 law, the bill would affect when related requirements or protections tied to that provision are set to expire or be reevaluated. It may also be of interest to conservation groups and federal agencies involved in right whale protection efforts, given the species' endangered status.
The bill was introduced on June 24, 2026, by Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY17) and passed the House of Representatives on September 1, 2026, by a vote of 219–196. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate passes it, potentially with changes, and any differences are resolved, the bill would then go to the President to be signed into law or vetoed.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026
This bill extends the deadline from 2028 to 2035 for the National Marine Fisheries Service to issue new regulations that protect the endangered Atlantic large whale from certain lobster and crab fishing gear. Under current law, the new regulations must include requirements for the American lobster and Jonah crab fisheries to utilize existing and innovative fishing gear technologies as appropriate to reduce the risk of whales becoming entangled in their gear.
Timeline
14 Sep 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9436 do?
- H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026, would amend a provision in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 that governs how long certain federal regulations related to protecting the North Atlantic right whale remain in effect. Specifically, the bill changes the year "2028" to "2035" wherever it appears in that section, extending the applicable time period for those regulations by seven years. The bill primarily affects the lobster and fishing industry in the Northeast, particularly operators subject to federal rules intended to reduce risks to North Atlantic right whales, an endangered species. By extending the regulatory timeline referenced in the 2023 law, the bill would affect when related requirements or protections tied to that provision are set to expire or be reevaluated. It may also be of interest to conservation groups and federal agencies involved in right whale protection efforts, given the species' endangered status. The bill was introduced on June 24, 2026, by Rep. Michael Lawler (R-NY17) and passed the House of Representatives on September 1, 2026, by a vote of 219–196. It now goes to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate passes it, potentially with changes, and any differences are resolved, the bill would then go to the President to be signed into law or vetoed.
- Has H.R. 9436 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 9436. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 9436?
- H.R. 9436 was sponsored by Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17] (R-NY), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9436?
- Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (14 Sep 2026).
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