CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

Val Hoyle (D-OR)

SAW Act

H.R. 6864 · House bill Public Lands and Natural Resources

A Democratic bill with 3 Republican cosponsors · See all 6 cosponsors

Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

In committee

Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.

The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.

Its path through Congress

  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill, known as the "Snowmobiles Aren't Weapons Act" or the "SAW Act," aims to prohibit individuals from using motor vehicles to take mammalian predator species on Federal land. Under the act, using a motor vehicle to harass, hunt, shoot, or capture these animals would result in fines up to $10,000 and potential imprisonment for up to 5 years. An exception is made for those acting to avoid injury or death to themselves or others. The Secretary of the Interior is granted authority to investigate these violations and seek help from various federal and local agencies. The definition of Federal land excludes land held in trust for American Indian Tribes or individuals.

Yes

  • Scored +5

    Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?

    The bill protects mammalian predator species from being hunted or harassed using motor vehicles on Federal land.

  • Scored +4

    Does this give the federal government more power?

    The bill grants the Secretary of the Interior broad authority to investigate violations and coordinate with various federal and local agencies.

  • Scored +3

    Would Native Americans be better off under this?

    The bill's restrictions on motor vehicle use for predator hunting do not apply to land held in trust for American Indian Tribes or individuals.

The opposite

  • Scored -3

    Would people in rural areas be better off under this?

    The bill imposes criminal penalties and fines on those using motor vehicles like snowmobiles to hunt on Federal lands often frequented by rural residents.

  • Scored -2

    Does this change how police departments operate?

    The bill expands the investigative and enforcement authority of the Secretary of the Interior and law enforcement agencies.