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H.R. 1719 105th Congress House

Sportsmen's Bill of Rights Act

Official title: To protect and enhance sportsmen's opportunities and enhance wildlife conservation.

Introduced: June 26, 1997 See on congress.gov
Public Lands and Natural Resources AnimalsAssociations, institutions, etc.Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority IssuesDepartment of the Interior
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Economics and Public FinanceEnvironmental ProtectionFederal budgetsFederal-state relationsFishery managementFishingGovernment Operations and PoliticsGovernment paperworkGovernment publicityGovernment spending reductionsGovernment trust fundsHuntingInjunctionsJudicial review of administrative actsLand useLawMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesParties to actionsPublic meetings of administrative bodiesRegulatory impact statementsRight of propertySports and RecreationState lawsWildlife conservationWildlife management
This bill died when the 105th Congress ended
It never became law before the 105th Congress (1997–1998) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 5 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 30, 1997
Executive Comment Requested from Interior.
May 30, 1997
Referred to the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans.
May 22, 1997
Referred to the House Committee on Resources.
May 22, 1997
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1020-1021)
May 22, 1997
Introduced in House
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 Latest action May 30, 1997

Executive Comment Requested from Interior.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Sportsmen's Bill of Rights Act - Requires Federal public land and water to be open to access and use for fishing and hunting except as limited by: (1) the State involved; or (2) the responsible Federal agency for reasons of national security, public safety, or specific authorization. Allows such land to be closed only during the period in which the reasons for such closure exist.

Amends the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act to authorize the Secretary of the Interior (Secretary) to cooperate with the Secretary of the Interior of Puerto Rico (currently the Secretary of Agriculture of Puerto Rico) in wildlife-restoration projects. Prohibits funds made available to the Secretary for expenses in the administration and execution of wildlife-restoration projects under such Act and the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act from being used as a supplement to decreased funding for any other expense of the Secretary.

Prohibits a Federal agency's action that may significantly diminish opportunities or access to engage in fishing or hunting on Federal public land or water until the agency prepares a detailed statement evaluating the action's effect on fishing and hunting. Provides for judicial review of such action.

Provides for intervention by an interested person in a civil action relating to the use of Federal public land or water for fishing or hunting.

Provides standing to seek declaratory or injunctive relief regarding the implementation of this Act for an individual licensed to engage in fishing or hunting, or an organization representing the interests of such individuals.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 1719: Sportsmen's Bill of Rights Act. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-1719/
MLA
"H.R. 1719: Sportsmen's Bill of Rights Act." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-1719/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 1719, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-1719/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 1719: Sportsmen's Bill of Rights Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-1719/)
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