Uniting A POLITICALLY PROACTIVE Exotic Animal League
2025 State bills
The following is a list of bills that have been introduced or will be introduced. This list is not all inclusive. The bills pertain to the ownership of exotic and wild animals for the 2025 Legislative Session. It is updated as of 5/17/2025.
ALABAMA HB 509 GAME BREEDER LICENSE
Revises law
- Sent to Governor 5/14
ALABAMA HB 448 Good Samaritan Wildlife Rehabilitation Act
Allows person to rehabilitate orphaned, injured, or debilitated animal to return to wild
- DEAD
ALASKA HB 191 SB 174 An Act establishing the Alaska Invasive Species Council
Creates such council
- HB: 1st reading – Passed Resources 5/12 - Finance
- SB: 1st reading – Resources – Hearing 5/12 – Heard and Held
ARIZONA SB1654 live bird markets; state veterinarian
Makes live bird markets a statewide concern AND prohibits regulations by county, city, town, or other political subdivision AND requires registration
- 1st reading – Natural Resources – Hearing 2/18 REMOVED
ARKANSAS HB1611 Game Fowl Farm Registration & Preservation Act
Requires registration of game fowl farms
- DEAD
CALIFORNIA AB 764 Birds and mammals: nongame birds.
Adds mute swans to nongame birds that can be taken and possessed at any time
- Passed House 4/24 – Senate 1st reading - Natural Resources and Water
CALIFORNIA AB-892 Captive wild animals: direct contact: prohibition.
BANS allowing public to have direct contact with a covered animal
- 1st reading - Water, Parks and Wildlife – Amended 4/1 - Hearing 4/8 CANCELLED
CALIFORNIA AB-1319 Protected species: California Endangered Species Act.
BANS transport, sale, offer for sale, possession with intent to sell, receipt, acquisition, or purchase of fish, ildlife, or plant that was taken, possessed, transported, or sold in violation of a law, treaty, regulation, policy, or finding of US regarding national or international trade in effect 1/19/25
- 1st reading – Amended 3/20 – Amended 4/21 – Passed Water, Parks and Wildlife as amended 4/29 – 2ndreading – Appropriations – Hearing 5/14 SUSPENSE FILE
CALIFORNIA AB1382 Animals: sale of pets: intentional genomic alterations.
BANS importing for profit, sale, or offering for sale in the state a pet animal that has been modified or developed by intentional genomic alterations
- 1st reading - Amended 3/28 – Amended 4/22 - Business and Professions
CALIFORNIA AB1426 Diablo Range Conservation Program.
Makes corrections to gopher tortoise
- NO LONGER APPLIES TO ANIMALS
COLORADO SB25-053 Concerning the classification of bison as wildlife unless classified as livestock.
Revises definition of wildlife
- Sent to Governor 5/6
COLORADO SB25-168 Prevention of Wildlife Trafficking
BANS knowingly possessing, selling, purchasing, transporting, importing, or exporting or causing to be transported, imported, or exported for monetary gain or compensation IF person knew it was violation of 1) state or federal or tribal government law, 2) state or federal rule or regulation, or 3) law or regulation of another nation
- Sent to Governor 5/6
CONNECTICUT HB05900 AN ACT PROHIBITING THE CULTIVATION OF OCTOPUS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION AND THE USE OF OCTOPUS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES
Bans cultivation of octopus for human consumption or entertainment purposes
- Joint Environment
CONNECTICUT HB05902 AN ACT CONCERNING THE BREEDING OF ANIMALS IN THE STATE.
- Requires registration with Department of Agriculture to breed animals including birds and reptiles
- Requires Department to create breeding guidelines, develop breeder registry, collect registration fees, and perform annual inspections
- Joint Environment
CONNECTICUT HB05905 AN ACT PROHIBITING THE TRADE OF EXOTIC ANIMALS AND THEIR PARTS IN THE STATE.
- Joint Environment
HAWAII HB 47 SB177 RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.
Import and movement of aquatic wildlife
- HB: 1st reading – Passed Agriculture w/HD1 1/29 – 2nd reading – Passed CPC w/HD2 2/6 – Finance – CARRIED INTO 2026
- SB: Passed Senate 3/4 – Passed House as amended 4/4 – Senate disagreed – Conference Committee met 4/25 – CARRIED INTO 2026
HAWAII HB 49 SB1021 RELATING TO WILDLIFE.
Ban on cetaceans in captivity
- HB: 1st reading – WAL – CARRIED INTO 2026
- SB: 1st reading - WTL/AEN – CARRIED INTO 2026
HAWAII SB 16 RELATING TO AQUARIUM FISH PERMITS.
Exempt aquaculture research from the aquarium fish permit
- 1st reading - WTL/AEN - CARRIED INTO 2026
HAWAII SB 519 RELATING TO AQUATIC LIFE
Redefines aquarium purpose
- 1st reading - WTL/EDT – CARRIED INTO 2026
HAWAII SB 839 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
Adds separate penalty for violating §188-31 Permits to take aquatic life for aquarium purposes of misdemeanor of fine at least $200 for 1stoffense, $400 for 2nd offense, and $1000 for each subsequent offense
- 1st reading – WTL – Deferred – CARRIED INTO 2026
ILLINOIS HB2430 WILDLIFE CD-SKUNKS & RACCOONS
For removal of nuisance wildlife: allows healthy striped skunks and raccoons to be released alive after removal
- BACK TO RULES
ILLINOIS HB 2569 WILDLIFE CD-SKUNKS & RACCOONS
Allows wildlife rehabilitators to treat and release striped skunks and raccoons
- BACK TO RULES
ILLINOIS SB 1192 DANGEROUS ANIMAL-DEFINIT-VET
- For provision that gives veterinarians immunity from liability that provides emergency care on sick or injured animal: includes dangerous animals
-amends dangerous animal laws
- 1st reading - Assignments
ILLINOIS SB 1427 SNAPPING TURTLES-TRAP
Allows take of common snapping turtles by live traps if checked every 24 hours, with flotation equipment with at least 2” above surface of water, and marked with owner’s name and address or DNR customer number
- 1st reading - Assignments
IOWA HF24 A bill for an act relating to public contact with dangerous wild animals, and making penalties applicable.
- Adds to dangerous wild animals list any selachimorpha of the neoselachii clade (sharks that can grow more than 23” long or documented history of biting humans)
- For grandfathered animals owned in 2007: adds ban on letting members of the public from having direct contact
- Adds that those exempt from law are not exempt from public contact ban
- Adds that allowing public contact with dangerous wild animals is criminal penalty of aggravated misdemeanor
- BANS allowing members of the public to come into direct contact with dangerous wild animal
- Public Safety – Sent to Subcommittee – Meeting 1/16 TABLED – CARRIED INTO 2026
KANSAS HB2297 Authorizing the animal health commissioner to issue permits for raccoon ownership and requiring vaccinations, annual check-ups, educational program completion and compliance with breeding restrictions.
Authorizes issuing raccoon ownership permits
- Agriculture and Natural Resources – Hearing 2/17 – CARRIED INTO 2026
LOUISIANA SB106 HUNTERS/HUNTING: Provides for frogging at night. (8/1/25)
Removes ban on having shotgun, rifle, or firearm while hunting frogs at night
- Passed Senate 4/29 – House 1st & 2nd reading- Natural Resources and Environment
MASSACHUSETTS H1948 S1167 An Act to protect nonhuman primate infants in research institutions and product testing facilities
BANS research institutions or product testing facilities using infant NHPs in experiments from removing or separately housing the infants from their mothers for research, experimentation, or product testing
- Judiciary
MASSACHUSETTS H446 An Act relative to wildlife rehabilitators
Adds the aid or care of sick, injured, debilitated and orphaned wildlife by wildlife rehabilitators to those not considered to be practicing veterinary medicine
- Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure
MINNESOTA HF0040 A bill for an act relating to agriculture; removing requirement that fencing prevent physical contact between farmed Cervidae and free-roaming Cervidae; ...
Removes that fencing for farmed Cervidae must prevent physical contact between farmed and free roaming Cervidae
- 1st reading - Agriculture Finance and Policy Hearing 3/24
MINNESOTA HF0434 SF739 A bill for an act relating to agriculture; allowing the importation of live Cervidae to certain accredited facilities;...
For Cervidae import: exempts cervids imported from AZA accredited facility and USDA exhibitor, houses animals from AZA accredited institution, and participates in AZA species survival plan
- HF: 1st reading - Agriculture Finance and Policy – Hearing 3/5 – LAID OVER – might be added to omnibus bill
- SF: 1st reading - Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development – Hearing 3/24 – LAID OVER – Might be added to omnibus bill
MINNESOTA HF1676 SF2302 A bill for an act relating to agriculture; modifying farmed Cervidae provisions;...
Removes requirement for owners of premises where CWD is detected to record with the county recorder or registrar of titles a notice
- HF: 1st reading - Agriculture Finance and Policy – Hearing 3/24– LAID OVER – might be added to omnibus bill
- SF: 1st reading - Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
MINNESOTA HF1699 SF1864 Zoos exempted from fur farm requirements.
Exempts from fur farm license zoos that are USDA exhibitor of regulated animals, houses animals owned by AZA accredited institutions, and participate in AZA Species Survival Plan
- HF: 1st reading - Environment and Natural Resources Finance and Policy
- SF: 1st reading - Environment, Climate, and Legacy
MINNESOTA HF2490 SF2415 A bill for an act relating to state government; establishing the Companion Animal Board; transferring duties; requiring reports; authorizing rulemaking; appropriating money;
Creates Companion Animal Board: Companion animal INCLUDES cat (including hybrids), dog (including hybrids), and another animal kept as a pet, including rabbit, guinea pig, ferret, small rodent, nonnative bird, small nonvenomous amphibian or reptile, and any other nonagricultural domesticated animal
- HF: 1st reading - State Government Finance and Policy
- SF: 1st reading - Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
MONTANA HB 105 Revise laws related to game bird farms
Revises game bird farm exemption and deadlines
- Signed into law 4/3/25 – Effective 7/1/25
MONTANA HB 107 Revising licensing requirements for commercial activities regulated by FWP
Revises regarding roadside menagerie, wild animal menagerie, wildlife sanctuary, zoo licenses and controlled exotic wildlife
- Signed into law 4/3/25 – Effective 3/1/26
MONTANA LC2515 Revises law regarding domestic use of raccoons
- DEAD
MONTANA LC3356 Provide statutory appropriation for aquatic and wildlife research
- DEAD
NEVADA AB85 Authorizes the management of designated invertebrates.
Revises definition of wildlife to include designated invertebrates
- Passed Natural Resources as amended 4/9 – 2nd reading – Ways and Means – Hearing 5/16
NEVADA SB79 Revises provisions relating to wildlife
Removes listed fees for various permits and allows the Commission to prescribe them
- DEAD
NEW HAMPSHIRE HB251 allowing the ownership of domesticated squirrels and raccoons.
Allows raccoons and gray squirrels to be kept as companion animals without permit if wildlife rehabilitation facility determines it cannot survive in the wild and is up to date on vaccines
- INEXPEDIENT TO LEGISLATE – LAID ON TABLE
NEW JERSEY S581 Establishes offense of reckless trespass involving wild animals; establishes penalties; establishes liability for resulting harm to wild animal.
Creates offense of reckless trespassing involving wild animals
- Judiciary - CARRIED OVER
NEW JERSEY A4296 S3239 Establishes exemption from ban on importation of woodchucks under certain circumstances.
Exempts from the ban on importing woodchuck from state where rabies other than raccoon variant is endemic if a county or municipality is replacing one that died to celebrate Groundhog Day
- H: Passed House 6/28 – 1stand 2nd reading in Senate 9/19 – No committee reference - CARRIED OVER
- S: Passed Environment and Energy 6/20 – 2nd reading – CARRIED OVER
NEW JERSEY A5386 S3989 Expands list of animals prohibited from use in traveling animal acts; limits certain exceptions to apply only at educational institutions.
· Removes exclusion of domestic cattle, bison, American buffalo, water buffalo, yak, zebu, gayal, bali cattle, suidae, sheep, goats, llamas, or alpacas, domestic dogs, domestic cats, domestic horses, ponies, donkeys, or mules, and rays
· Removes INclusion of canine and feline hybrids
· Adds Lagomorpha (rabbits) and Rodentia
- Requires exemption for outreach program for bona fide educational or conservation purposes to be conducted at educational institution
- H: Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture
- S: Economic Growth
NEW MEXICO HB 319 QUAIL AS "GAME BIRD" & RAISING WITHOUT PERMIT
Excludes domestic strains of quail from the definition of game bird
Allows raising quail for eggs or meat without permit
- DEAD
NEW YORK A00732 Relates to the sale of birds by pet dealers when such birds have not yet been fully weaned
Bans pet dealers from selling birds at retail that are not fully weaned UNLESS 1) they disclose it to the buyer, 2) train buyer on hand-feeding unless they have knowledge, and 3) buyer agrees in writing to provide bird for inspection and weighing by pet dealer at least weekly until weaned
- Agriculture
NEW YORK A00796 Prohibits the declawing and descenting of ferrets
BANS performing declawing or descenting a ferret except for therapeutic purposes by veterinarian
- Agriculture - Hearing 5/20
NEW YORK A00862 Relates to prohibiting the taking of zoo, petting zoo, carnival or circus animals
· BANS take of animal currently or formerly from a zoo, petting zoo, carnival, or circus
· BANS zoos, petting zoos, carnivals, and circuses USDA exhibitors from selling, offering for sale, distributing, bartering, or donating animal where it may be intentionally taken
· BANS person who owns, operates, or manages facility including non-native big game mammals that allows taking from purchasing, accepting, or receiving animals from zoo, petting zoo, carnival, or circus
- Environmental Conservation
NEW YORK A01685 S06621 Prohibits the breeding, sale, trade, purchase, importation, and exportation of red-eared slider turtles
BANS persons, firms, partnerships, corporations, and government entities from knowingly breeding, selling, purchasing, importing, exporting, distributing, transporting, and trading red-eared slider turtles
- Environmental Conservation
Adds Elephants, Hyaenidae, Macropodidae, Perissodactyla, Viverridae, Cynomys (groundhog), capybara, Cetacea, Pinnipedia, and Xenarthra to wild and exotic animal list that are banned as pets
- A: Environmental Conservation
- S: Passed Senate 4/8 – House Environmental Conservation
BANS use or causing to be used primates in any entertainment act
- Agriculture
NEW YORK A01980 Excludes certain animals from the definition of "wildlife"
Excludes companion animals from definition of wildlife
- Environmental Conservation
NEW YORK A03150 S05709 Prohibits the importing, possession, or sale of any part or product of the skin or body of a kangaroo for commercial purposes
Bans knowingly importing any kangaroo part or product, knowingly possessing for sale, or knowingly selling
- Agriculture
· BANS allowing for the participation of covered animal in traveling animal act
· BANS department from issuing permit including education or exhibition permit or endangered or threatened species license allowing such participation
· Exempts performances at non-mobile, permanent institution or fixed facility
- A: Passed Environmental Conservation 4/2 - Codes
- S: Passed Senate 4/8 – House Codes
NEW YORK A05947 Prohibits certain wildlife and fish from being imported into the state; and relates to live animal markets
· Requires Department to create a list by 12/31/26 of wildlife and fish that are banned from import and transport into the state
· Requires list to include all bat, rodent, and primate species unless found that the restriction is not necessary
- Environmental Conservation
NEW YORK A06473 S01378 Relates to the provision of financial assistance to museums, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and other cultural institutions located in low-income urban, suburban or rural communities
· Requires commissioner of education to develop and implement museum and cultural organization education grant program with input from museum and cultural institution community
· Must award grants to establish or improve education programs in museums or cultural organizations to improve student performance in elementary, middle, and secondary schools
- A: Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development
- S: Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation – Hearing May 20 @ 12:30 pm @ 123 CAP
NEW YORK A06581 Excludes amphibians and reptiles from the definition of small game; repealer
· Limits small game to bullfrogs (was native frogs) and common snapping turtles (was native turtles) – Removes native salamanders and lizards
· Replaces taking frogs by hand, club, or hook WITH take of bullfrogs in manner determined by department in regulation
· Replaces frogs with bullfrogs and turtles with common snapping turtles throughout
· Adds wild reptiles and wild amphibians to protected wildlife
- Amended 3/27 – Passed Environmental Conservation 4/2 – On 3rd reading
Revises animal seizure provisions
- Environmental Conservation
NEW YORK A08098 S05982 Authorizes the department of environmental conservation to independently add to the lists of prohibited and regulated invasive species on an emergency basis
Allows department of environmental conservation to add to lists of prohibited and regulated species on an emergency basis following review by department of agriculture and markets in consultation with New York invasive species council
- A: Environmental Conservation
- S: Passed Senate 4/9 – House Environmental Conservation
NEW YORK A08327 Prohibits the sale of certain birds at retail
Adds birds to those animals that cannot be sold at retail pet stores
Exempts domesticated game birds along with domesticated birds like chickens, turkeys, guinea fowl, peafowl, and pigeons
- Agriculture
NORTH DAKOTA HB 1040 A BILL for an Act to amend and reenact section 36-25-01 of North Dakota Century Code, relating to the definition of farmed elk.
Redefines farmed elk from elk family (cervus elaphus) TO North American elk genus and species (cervus canadensis)
- Signed into law 3/18/25 – Effective 8/1/25
OHIO S. B. No. 152 Allow wild animal rehab facility to get euthanasia drug permit
· Defines Wild animal rehabilitation facility is facility with permit from Division of Wildlife for wildlife rehabilitation purposes
· Adds wild animal rehabilitation facility as those the state board of pharmacy may issue limited euthanasia permit to purchase, possess, and administer drugs in a manufactured dosage form
- Agriculture and Natural Resources – 1st hearing 4/1 – 2nd hearing proponent 4/8
OKLAHOMA SB561 Wildlife; exempting individuals breeding and raising quail from licensure. Effective date.
· For requirement for license to breed or raise wildlife for personal consumption or noncommercial purposes: specifies it must come from Director of the Department of Wildlife Conservation
· Exempts from license those breeding or raising quail for personal consumption or noncommercial purposes including hobby, education, or scientific purposes OR for release on private property
- 1st & 2nd reading – Passed Agriculture and Wildlife 2/10
OREGON HB2342 Relating to fees concerning wildlife; prescribing an effective date.
Revises wildlife permit fees
- Passed Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water as amended 3/24 – Ways and Means
OREGON HB 2965 Establishes certain requirements concerning aquaculture.
- 1st reading - Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water – Hearing 2/26
OREGON HB 2981 Directs the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to study aquatic invasive species.
· Requires Department of Fish and Wildlife to study aquatic invasive species
· Requires Department to submit report on study including any legislative recommendations to interim committees of legislature related to natural resources by 9/15/26
- 1st reading – Passed Climate, Energy, and Environment as amended 4/8 – Ways and Means
OREGON HB 3283 Requires the State Department of Fish and Wildlife to study animal sanctuaries.
· Requires Department of Fish and Wildlife to study animal sanctuaries
· Must submit report along with any proposed legislative recommendations by 9/15/2026 to committees or subcommittees relating to wildlife
- 1st reading - Agriculture, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Water
OREGON HB3549 Exempts lamps used for the care of animals from a prohibition on the sale and distribution of fluorescent lamps.
- 1st reading - Climate, Energy, and Environment– Hearing 3/13 REMOVED
OREGON SB 1076 Directs the State Department of Agriculture to impose certain fees for licenses and license renewals for animal rescue entities.
· Requires Department of Agriculture to charge for license or renewal for animal rescue entity the following adjusted annually after 2026 to account for Consumer Price Index changes: 1) animal control agency, animal shelter, or humane society - $600; 2) animal sanctuary - $400; or 3) all others - $350 – Takes effect 1/1/26
· Creates animal breeder license
- 1st reading – Passed Natural Resources and Wildfire as amended 4/8 – Ways and Means
PENNSYLVANIA HB 159 An Act amending Titles 30 (Fish) and 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in protection of property and waters, further providing for restrictions on transport, sale, importation or release of nonnative injurious fish; and, in game or wildlife protection, further providing for unlawful importation of game or wildlife.
· Negligently or intentionally violating the restrictions on transport, sale, import, or release of nonnative injurious fish is misdemeanor of the first degree
· Unlawful activities relating to endangered or threatened species is misdemeanor of the second degree
- Negligently or intentionally violating the restrictions on endangered or threatened species is misdemeanor of the first degree
- Passed Game and Fisheries 3/24 – 1st reading – LAID ON TABLE
PENNSYLVANIA HB 508 An Act establishing the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Program and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Fund; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Creates Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Program Act
- Game and Fisheries
PENNSYLVANIA HB 692 An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in permits relating to wildlife, further providing for definitions.
Changes definition of exotic wildlife to include all nonindigenous animals including those listed but excluding those listed as exempt
- Includes bears; coyotes, gray and red wolves and crossbreeds; Bobcat, lion, tiger, leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard, jaguar, cougar, cheetah, crossbreeds; nonhuman primates
-Excludes Domestic animals and birds, Muridae (rats/mice), Chinchillidae, guinea pig, Petauridae (Gliders, striped possums);
Domestic ferrets; Equidae, camelids, cervids, bovidae; Leporidae (Rabbits, hares), Erinaceid (hedgehog)
- Game and Fisheries
Pet Store Ban:
· BANS pet stores from selling or offering for sale any parrots from a breeder or broker
· Allows pet stores to sell parrots from animal care facilities or animal rescue organizations
Public Places Ban:
· BANS offering for sale, sale, exchange, or barter of parrots on any roadside, park, other recreation area, outdoor market, or commercial or retail parking lot despite permission of owner
· Exempts display of birds for state or county fair exhibition or educational programs AND birds sold or displayed for agriculture use – EXCLUDES parrots
- H: Corporations – HELD for further study
- S: Environment and Agriculture – Hearing 3/19 HELD for further study
SOUTH CAROLINA H. 3937 A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "SOUTH CAROLINA VENOMOUS REPTILES ACT"
BANS import, possession, keeping, purchase, having custody or control of, reproducing, or selling venomous reptile in the state including Internet transactions
- 1st reading - Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs – Wildlife Subcommittee - Hearing 3/19 – CARRIED INTO 2026
SOUTH CAROLINA H. 4100 A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 17 TO TITLE 50 SO AS TO REGULATE CAPTIVE WILDLIFE IN THIS STATE;
Makes various changes to captive wildlife laws
- 1st reading - Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs – Wildlife Subcommittee - Hearing 3/19 – CARRIED INTO 2026
SOUTH CAROLINA HB 4461 A Bill to Amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by Amending Chapter 2 of Title 47 Relating to the Possession of Large Wild Cats, Non-native Bears, and Great Apes, so as to Include References to Primates and to Limit the Possession and Acquisition of Covered Animals, Among Other Things.
Renames the listed species as covered animals and includes ALL primates in the ban
- 1st reading - Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs – CARRIED INTO 2026
TEXAS HB 135 Relating to an exemption from sales and use taxes for game animals and exotic animals.
- Signed into law 5/13/25 – Effective Immediately
TEXAS HB 5042 Relating to state preemption of and the effect of certain state health and safety laws on certain municipal and county regulations, including a law providing that an elephant is a dangerous wild animal.
Adds elephants to dangerous wild animals
- 1st reading – State Affairs – Hearing 4/14 – Left PENDING
VERMONT H.230 An act relating to the management of fish and wildlife
· Creates big game violation which includes the big game, threatened or endangered species, and trade in covered animal parts or products already covered plus criminal suspensions, interference with hunting, fishing, or trapping, and illegal commercial importation or possession of wild animals
· Gives Commissioner authority to adopt rules regarding protection, conservation, and taking of reptiles and amphibians, which can include: 1) prohibiting possession and import if threat to species or ecosystems AND allow prohibited and restricted lists, 2) providing waiver for pet prohibited species owned on 7/1/25, 3) prohibiting take and collection, 4) establishing open season for common species, 5) establishing daily, season, and possession limits, 6) establishing territorial limits under rule, 7) prescribing manner and means of take, 8) establishing restrictions based on physical distinction, and 8) designating Wildlife Management Units
· Adds reptiles and amphibians to those species that cannot be brought into, transported into or within or through, or possessed without Commissioner authorization
· Bans take, collection, possession, sale, import and export of wild birds and animals and parts for commercial purposes without authorization by Board rules, Commissioner rules, or permit
· Bans take, possession, or collection of reptiles and amphibians unless authorized by Commissioner rules or permit
· Adds to ban relating to endangered or threatened species to include 1) sale or offering for sale in intrastate commerce; 2) delivery, receipt, carry, transport, or shipment; and 3) import or export
- Passed House 5/9 – Senate 1st reading - Rules
VERMONT H.447 An act relating to rabies vaccination certificate requirements for domestic pet or wolf-hybrid licensure
Requires rabies vaccination certificate for domestic dog or wolf hybrid to include 1) veterinarian signature; 2) owner’s name and address; 3) species, sex, age, color, and primary breed; 4) vaccination number and expiration date
- 1st reading - Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry
VERMONT S.108 An act relating to the Dog, Cat, and Wolf-Hybrid Spaying and Neutering Program
· Increases dog license fee surcharge for funding Dog, Cat, and Wolf-Hybrid Spaying and Neutering Program from $4 to $6
- Department must amend rule TO: 1) include the co-payment; 2) include rabbit as companion animal; 3) increase number of companion animals per owner allowed in the program to 5; 4) keep veterinarian’s predetermined fee schedule confidential; 5) ensure predetermined fee schedule covers distemper and rabies vaccines; 6) increase length of validity of voucher to 8 weeks; 7) requires veterinarians to be reimbursed within 30 days of receipt of invoice; and 8) require participating veterinarians to be listed on program website
- 1st reading - Agriculture - Hearing 3/21
VIRGINIA SB1125 Department of Wildlife Resources; propagation of wildlife without a permit unlawful; premature separation; hybridization.
· BANS prematurely separating mammalian wildlife from mother before natural time of weaning for species
- BANS intentionally and commercially propagating mammalian wildlife of different species which is hybridization
- VETOED BY GOVERNOR
VIRGINIA HB1768 Possession, sale, transfer, or breeding of nonhuman primates prohibited; penalties.
Bans possession, sale, transfer, and breeding of nonhuman primates
- LEFT IN COMMITTEE
WASHINGTON SB 5065 Prohibiting the use of certain animals in traveling animal acts.
BANS participation of covered animal in traveling animal act
- Signed into law 4/22/25 – Chapter 116 – Effective 7/27/25
WEST VIRGINIA SB 844 E Exempting coturnix quail from game farm requirement if they are owned for agricultural purposes
· Defines agricultural purposes as use of domesticated poultry for the purpose of, including but not limited to, meat and egg production, propagation for meat and egg production, and sales for meat and egg production
- Declares that domesticated poultry possessed for agricultural purposes are not wild birds and are EXEMPT from private game preserve license – EXCLUDES those being released into the wild
- Signed into law 4/25/25 – Effective 7/9/25
WEST VIRGINIA HB 2836 Relating to wild animal rehabilitation permits
· Authorizes director to issue permit to wildlife rehabilitator to capture and transport, receive, temporarily confine, provide medical or supportive care to, and release or humanely dispatch orphaned, injured, or ill native wildlife in accordance with permit conditions
- Provides provision allowing veterinarians and others to help injured, orphaned, or ill wildlife
- Signed into law 4/28/25 – Effective 7/10/25
2024 State bills
The following is a list of bills that have been introduced or will be introduced. This list is not all inclusive. The bills pertain to the ownership of exotic and wild animals for the 2024 Legislative Session. It is updated as of 12/28/24.
FLORIDA HB 1033 Animals
Expands ban on keeping, possessing, importing, selling, bartering, trading, and breeding green iguanas to all iguanas
DEAD
Requires department to create assessment and approval process for import and transport of aquatic livestock
DEAD
Requires Plant and Animal Declaration Form for importation to be distributed, completed and submitted electronically
DEAD
HAWAII HB746 RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.
Switches aquaculture program from department of agriculture's plant quarantine branch to animal industry division
DEAD
Allows department to create rules regarding preventing or responding to new or previously benign aquatic nuisance species or due to new technology or data
DEAD
Requires approving or denying a permit for activities related to science, education, management, or propagation of aquatic resources within 90 days
DEAD
HAWAII HB901RELATING TO THE PROTECTION OF AQUATIC MAMMALS.
Enacts “Protecting Aquatic Mammals From Living in Pools or Restraints (PROTECT FLIPR): A Cetacean Display Ban Act" that bans exhibiting captive cetaceans
DEAD
Bans taking aquatic life for commercial aquarium purposes including for pets, scientific study, public exhibit or display or sale except for bait, consumption or from fish ponds
DEAD
HAWAII SB381 RELATING TO ANIMALS.
Bans use of captive marine mammals in performances for entertainment at meeting, competition, exhibit, pastime, practice, display or event except research or rehabilitation
DEAD
HAWAII SB518 RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.
Requires University of Hawaii to develop 5 year plan to grow the aquaculture industry
DEAD
HAWAII SB519 RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.
Creates Aquaculture Advisory Committee
DEAD
HAWAII SB648 RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.
Allows University of Hawaii college of tropical agriculture and human resources to establish aquaculture disease diagnostic laboratory
DEAD
HAWAII SB771 RELATING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES.
Adds new penalty for violating law requiring aquarium permit to take fish for aquarium purposes - $200 1st offense, $400 for 2nd, $1000 per additional with separate offense per specimen
DEAD
HAWAII SB818 RELATING TO AQUACULTURE.
Transfers the aquaculture program from Department of Agriculture to Agribusiness Development Corporation
DEAD
HAWAII SB994 RELATING TO UHU.
Bans take of parrotfish from state waters
DEAD
HAWAII SB2079 RELATING TO THE IMPORTATION OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS.
Allows State of Hawaii Plant and Animal Declaration Form to be electronic instead of paper
Signed into law 7/3/24 – Act 196 – Effective Immediately
HAWAII SB2148 RELATING TO AQUARIUM FISH PERMITS.
Exempts aquaculture research from the aquarium fish requirements
DEAD
HAWAII SB2149 RELATING TO PERMITS.
Limits the time to approve or deny an aquaculture license to 90 days of submission
DEAD
HAWAII SB2299 RELATING TO AQUATIC LIFE.
- Bans nets with nets or netting with less than 2”
- Exempts aquarium fish collectors with an aquarium fish permit who uses traps and nets in compliance with the permit
- Limits non-commercial aquarium collectors to a combined 5 fish or aquatic life specimens per person per day
- Violations are under 187A-12.5 and 188-70 with a separate offense per violation
DEAD
Creates an aquaculture advisory committee to strengthen aquaculture in the state
DEAD
ILLINOIS HB 0062 ANIMALS-TECH
Amends Herptiles-Herp Act (shell bill)
DEAD
ILLINOIS HB 0933 WILDLIFE-TECH
Amends Endangered Species Protection Act (shell bill)
DEAD
ILLINOIS HB3257 DYED HERMIT CRAB, GOLDFISH
Adds hermit crabs and goldfish to those animals for which the sale, barter and giving away as a pet or novelty if dyed is banned
DEAD
ILLINOIS HB3695 CRIM CD-TRAVELING ANIMAL ACT
Adds all exotic animals to the ban on traveling acts
DEAD
ILLINOIS HB 4446 CRIM CD-DANGEROUS ANIMAL-DEFIN
Adds serval, caracal, kangaroo, wallaby to the dangerous animal list along with hybrids, intergrades, and crosses of listed animals
DEAD
ILLINOIS SB 1890 SNAPPING TURTLES-TRAP
Amends Herptiles Act by allowing taking snapping turtles by trap notwithstanding any rule
DEAD
MARYLAND HB0345 Fish and Wildlife - Endangered and Threatened Species - Definitions, Petitions, and Regulations
- Requires the Secretary to review the lists of threatened and endangered fish and wildlife by 7/1/26 and every 5 years and update regulations as needed
- Requires petitions to add or remove species from the lists to include 1) biological distribution in state, 2) life needs and habitat requirements, 3) evidence of decline if unlisted OR that species is more common than believed if listed, 4) known threats, 5) relevant biological and ecological data or life history, 6) evidence of being recognized as a valid species, and 7) documentation that it occurs naturally in the state
- Defines fish as finfish, crustaceans, mollusks, invertebrates, amphibians, and reptiles that spend a majority of their life cycle in water
- Defines wildlife as mammals, birds, amphibians, mollusks, invertebrates, crustaceans, and reptiles that spend a majority of their life cycle on land
Signed into law 5/9/24 – Chapter 620 – Effective 7/1/24
MARYLAND HB0379 Wildlife - Traveling Animal Acts - Prohibition
Bans performance of covered animals in traveling animal acts
Signed into law 5/9/24 – Chapter 597 – Effective 10/1/24
MASSACHUSETTS H 375 An Act relative to wildlife rehabilitators
Excludes aid or care of sick, injured, debilitated and orphaned wildlife by wildlife rehabilitator from practicing veterinary medicine
See Study Order H 4680
Creates habitat conservation plan for piping plover
See Study Order H 4668
MASSACHUSETTS H 3245 An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows
Bans participation of covered animal in traveling animal acts
CARRIED INTO 2024 – Passed Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development 2/8 – House Ways & Means
MASSACHUSETTS S 2189An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows
Bans participation of covered animal in traveling animal acts
Accompanied by H3245
MASSACHUSETTS S 2197 An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows
Bans participation of covered animal in traveling animal acts
Accompanied by H3245
Various revisions related to farmed white-tailed deer
DEAD
NEW HAMPSHIRE HB 1325 relative to allowing private ownership of small tailed monkeys, raccoons, foxes, otters, skunks, and kangaroos.
Allows keeping foxes, skunks, small tailed monkeys, raccoons, red tailed kangaroos, and otters as companion animals without a permit
DEAD
NEW MEXICO HB 59 RAISING QUAIL WITHOUT A PERMIT
- Exempts domestic strain of quail from the definition of game birds
- Allows raising quail for meat or eggs without a permit
DEAD
NEW YORK A00400 Relates to the sale of birds by pet dealers when such birds have not yet been fully weaned
Requires pet dealers selling unweaned birds to disclose such fact to buyer, provide hand-feeding training unless already experienced, and buyer agrees in writing to provide bird for inspection and weighing weekly until weened
DEAD
NEW YORK A00506 Relates to prohibitions on circus performances
Requires attorney general to file injunction against circus from performing in state for 2 years IF within last 2 years: 1) it or owner, agent, employee, or representative were cited by USDA for deficiency in care or handling of animals, received official notice of warning, or entered into a stipulation, consent decree, or settlement with USDA relating to care or handling OR 2) guilty of state animal cruelty or neglect law or pled guilty to another charge instead or charge was not dismissed on merits
DEAD
NEW YORK A00508 Relates to prohibiting the state's participation in artificial pheasant propagation activities
- BANS state departments, divisions and political subdivisions from hatching, breeding, rearing, propagating, possessing, purchasing, distributing, transporting, selling, exchanging, or giving away artificially propagated pheasants or to support programs or activities for artificially propagated pheasants
- Requires all current state owned or operated facilities to close
DEAD
NEW YORK A00518 Prohibits the possession and transport of certain animals and body parts thereof at airports and port facilities owned or operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
BANS import, export, shipment, receipt, possession, process, sale, offer for sale, and transport of priority species at Port Authority of New York and New Jersey airport or port authority
DEAD
NEW YORK A00584 S03302Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products
Bans import, export, transport, procession, sale, offer for sale, purchase, trade, barter, distribution or possession of part of product of an African elephant, African leopard, African lion, black rhino, white rhino, African giraffe
DEAD
NEW YORK A03545 S05898Prohibits the administration of psychoactive drugs to an animal in a zoo in order to allow another animal to procreate with such animal.
Prohibits using psychoactive drug to animal in zoos for it to procreate with another animal
DEAD
NEW YORK A04005 S04363 Prohibits the issuance of permits authorizing the use of wild animals in circuses or traveling animal acts; excepts a wildlife sanctuary and a facility accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Bans issuing permit or license for a circus or traveling animal act to exhibit wild animals except AZA and wildlife sanctuaries
DEAD
Adds new animals to the wild and exotic animal list which are banned to possess, harbor sell, barter, transfer exchange and import as pets
DEAD
Bans primates in any type of entertainment – penalty is civil penalty up to $1000
DEAD
NEW YORK A07840 S08829 Prohibits the importing, possession, or sale of any part or product of the skin or body of a kangaroo for commercial purposes
Bans import, possession to sell, and sale of parts and products of the skin or body of a kangaroo for commercial purposes or to direct another person to do so
DEAD
NEW YORK S00589 Prohibiting the taking of non-native big game mammals in a fenced or other area from which there is no means for such mammal to escape
Replaces ban on take of non-native big game mammals in containers on less than 10 acres with a ban on take in any cage or container along with in fenced areas
DEAD
NEW YORK S01459 Relates to the provision of financial assistance to museums, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and other cultural institutions located in low-income urban, suburban or rural communities
Requires creating museum and cultural organization education grant program to award grants to establish or improve education programs in museums and cultural organizations to improve student performance in school
DEAD
NEW YORK S01949 Relates to prohibiting the sale, trade or bartering or possession with intent to sell, trade or barter of certain wild animals or wild animal products and to the penalties imposed therefor
Adds trade, barter and possession with intent to sell, trade or barter to activities prohibited with species listed in 11-0536; adds giraffe
DEAD
NEW YORK A09842 S03185Relates to the management of horseshoe crabs; and provides for the repeal of certain
Bans commercial sale and possession with intent to sell of horseshoe crabs and eggs
A - Passed House and Senate 6/7
NEW YORK A09592 S07933 Authorizes the department of environmental conservation to independently add to the lists of prohibited and regulated invasive species on an emergency basis
Allows department of environmental conservation to add species to the prohibited and regulated invasive species list on an emergency basis if reviewed by the department of agriculture and markets and council
DEAD
OKLAHOMA HB 2593 Animals; creating the Endangered Ark Foundation Preservation Act; effective date.
Excludes free contact and protected contact with elephants at nonprofit entities from animal cruelty
DEAD
OKLAHOMA HB 2719 Animals; Oklahoma Endangered Species Act of 2023; effective date.
Unknown (shell bill)
DEAD
OKLAHOMA HB 2862 Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry; cervidae; effective date.
Grants the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry authority over all state policies regarding CWD and cervids
DEAD
OKLAHOMA SB 1431 Oklahoma Farmed Cervidae Act; allowing a license owner or operator of a licensed cervidae facilitiy
Allows owner of licensed Cervidae facility to be reimbursed for disposal of farmed cervids up to 25% of the value
DEAD
OKLAHOMA SB1952 Fish and wildlife; permitting individuals to breed quail without obtaining license. Effective date.
- Exempts those breeding or raising quail for personal consumption or noncommercial purposes from needing a license
- Includes hobby, education or scientific purposes, and release on private property
DEAD
PENNSYLVANIA HB 567 An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in permits relating to wildlife, further providing for definitions.
Changes definition of exotic wildlife to include all nonindigenous animals including those listed but excluding those listed as exempt - also exempts hedgehogs and sugar gliders
DEAD
PENNSYLVANIA HB 1113 An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in special licenses and permits, further providing for definitions, for exotic wildlife possession permits and for menagerie permits.
- Requires exotic wildlife dealers to have 5 documented transactions annually; menagerie includes exotic wildlife and 10+ animals with characteristics similar to wild ones
- Bans issuing new possession permits after 1/1/2023 and only allows issuing wildlife dealer and menagerie permits - possession permits limited to continued possession of wildlife owned on 12/31/22
DEAD
PENNSYLVANIA HB 1451 An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in special licenses and permits, further providing for definitions, for exotic wildlife possession permits, for menagerie permits and for exclusions.
Bans possession, menagerie, and dealer permittees from permitting the public to feed or have direct contact with exotic wildlife or wildlife other than ruminants
DEAD
PENNSYLVANIA HB 1522 An Act establishing the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Program and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Grant Fund; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Game Commission
Issues grants for wildlife rehabilitation, improving their facilities, or a related purpose
DEAD
SOUTH CAROLINA H. 4874A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING CHAPTER 17 TO TITLE 50 SO AS TO REGULATE CAPTIVE WILDLIFE BY DEFINING TERMS, OUTLINING THE PERMITTING PROCESS, LISTING EXCEPTIONS, AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS, AMONG OTHER THINGS; BY AMENDING SECTION 50-16-40, RELATING TO EXCEPTIONS TO THE PERMIT REQUIREMENT FOR WILDLIFE IMPORTED FOR EXHIBITION PURPOSES, SO AS TO LIMIT THE EXCEPTIONS; AND BY REPEALING SECTION 50-11-1180 RELATING TO THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT TO ISSUE PERMITS TO COLLECT PROTECTED WILDLIFE FOR SCIENTIFIC OR PROPAGATING PURPOSES.
Prohibits possession of live captive wildlife except for those entities granted permit, grandfathered registered animals, and those exempt from permit
DEAD
Increases penalty for owning or training a cock (game birds) for fighting, fighting one or allowing such act on one’s premises from Class A misdemeanor to Class E felony
DEAD
VERMONT H.410 An act relating to rabies vaccination certificate requirements for domestic pet or wolf-hybrid licensure
Requires rabies certificate for domestic dog or wolf hybrid to include signature of veterinarian, owner name and address, species, sex, age, color, and primary breed and vaccination date and expiration
DEAD
VERMONT H.459 An act relating to prohibiting the trade of kangaroo parts
Bans purchase, sale and possession of parts made wholly or partially from kangaroo
DEAD
VERMONT H.567 An act relating to the sale of dogs, cats, and wolf-hybrids by pet shops
Bans selling cats, dogs, and wolf hybrids at pet shops
DEAD
VERMONT H.587 An act relating to enforcement of fish and wildlife violations
Creates big game violation which includes the big game, threatened or endangered species, and trade in covered animal parts or products already covered plus criminal suspensions, interference with hunting, fishing, or trapping, and illegal commercial importation or possession of wild animals
DEAD
VERMONT H.597 An act relating to the collection, sale, and possession of wildlife
- Gives Commissioner authority to adopt rules regarding reptiles and amphibians, which can include: 1) prohibiting possessing and import if threat to species or ecosystems including prohibited and restricted lists, 2) providing waiver for currently owned prohibited species, 3) prohibiting take and collection, 4) establishing open season, 5) establishing daily, season, and possession limits, 6) establishing territorial limits under rule, 7) prescribing manner and means of take, 8) establishing restrictions based on physical distinction, and 8) designating Wildlife Management Units
- Adds reptiles and amphibians to those species that cannot be brought into, transported into or within or through, or possessed with Commissioner authorization
- Bans take, collection, possession, sale, import and export of wild birds and animals and parts for commercial purposes without authorization by Board rules, Commissioner rules, or permit
- Bans take, possession, or collection of reptiles and amphibians unless authorized by Commissioner rules or permit – penalty is same as big game violation
DEAD
VERMONT H.812 An act relating to threatened and endangered species
- Requires Secretary to revise the threatened and endangered species list by rule every 3 years
- Requires Secretary to designate critical habitat for all endangered and threatened species
- For activities prohibited involving such species: adds selling and offering for sale in INTRAstate commerce; delivery receipt, carrying, transport, and shipping in INTRAstate commerce; and importing or exporting
- For authorized taking: removes take for scientific purposes, zoological exhibition, educational purposes, noncommercial cultural or ceremonial purposes, and special purposes for federal ESA
- Authorizes Secretary in consultation with Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets to develop practices that those involved in farming, forestry operations, or silvicultural practices may implement to minimize or avoid taking or encourage critical habitat AND if taking occurs during farming or forestry operations while complying with the practices, then they are considered to not have caused the taking
DEAD
VIRGINIA HB 1531Cruelty to elephants; pain-inflicting training tools prohibited; actions for attachment; civil
Bans 1) using electricity, martingales, or block and tackle to physical punish an elephant that results in damage, scarring, or breaking of skin or inserting instruments into bodily orifice; 2) using bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or other device designed for fear or pain to train or control an elephant; or 3) brandishing, exhibiting, or displaying any device in #2 in the presence of an elephant
Signed into law 4/2/24 – Chapter 333 – Effective 7/1/24
WAHB 1153 Prohibiting octopus farming.
Bans octopus aquaculture in the state
Signed into law 3/13/24 – Chapter 45 – Effective 6/6/24
WA HB 1157 SB 5148 Prohibiting the display of wild or exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement.
Bans display of wild or exotic animals on public or private property except for educational purposes or AZA or association of sanctuaries
DEAD
- Bans fur farming of mink, marten, fox or chinchilla
- Exempts federal authorized activities and federally recognized Indian tribe
- Creates fur farm transition grant program to help the transition of fur farms closing
DEAD
WA SB 6128 Prohibiting the use of certain animals in traveling animal acts.
Bans covered animals in traveling animal acts
DEAD
WV HB 2783 To remove primates as a dangerous wild animal
Removes primates from list of animals that the dangerous wild animals list may include
DEAD
WV HB 3380To permit the ownership of Japanese quail as pets without a permit so long as the quail are not kept for commercial purposes
Exempts from needing private game farm license Japanese quail kept as pets for noncommercial purposes along with sales up to 3 or less a year
DEAD
WV HB 4363To permit the ownership of Japanese quail as pets without a permit so long as the quail are not kept for commercial purposes
Exempts from needing private game farm license Japanese quail kept as pets for noncommercial purposes along with sales up to 3 or less a year
DEAD
WV HB 4745 Exempting Coturnix quail from the game farm requirement if they are owned for agricultural purposes
Exempts domesticated poultry (nonnative quail and partridges kept for agriculture purposes = meat or egg production) from being considered wild birds and the private game preserve license
DEAD
Wisconsin AB124 SB126 Relating to: the definition of public zoos and aquariums for purposes of captive wildlife regulations. (FE)
Adds ZAA zoos and aquariums to the exemption for captive wildlife
DEAD