Congress·In Committee·H.R. 9631

Bear Poaching Elimination Act

Bear Conservation: Ban on Organ Trade

To conserve global bear populations by prohibiting the importation, exportation, and interstate trade of bear viscera and bear viscera products, and for other purposes.

2 days ago·View on Congress.gov·Read full text

Next up: A house committee

A house committee must act next: committee consideration.

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Could go either way

The bill has support from both parties and addresses a specific conservation gap, but it must compete with many other bills for a final vote.

Key Points

The Bear Poaching Elimination Act would make it illegal to import, export, or trade bear organs and fluids across state lines. The bill specifically targets the trade of bear gallbladders and bile, which are often used in traditional medicines and cosmetics.
The law applies to all eight species of bears, including American black bears, polar bears, and giant pandas. While some bear populations in the U.S. are stable, supporters say high demand for these parts could lead to more illegal poaching.
People caught breaking this law could face up to one year in prison and civil fines of up to $25,000 for each violation. Any bear parts or products involved in the illegal trade would be seized by the government.
The bill includes exceptions for law enforcement and for Native American groups using bear parts in traditional ceremonies. It also does not stop states from managing their own bear populations or allowing legal hunting within their borders.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Jul 9, 2026House

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.

Jul 9, 2026

Introduced in House

The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.

No votes, news coverage, or related bills recorded for this bill yet.

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

To conserve global bear populations by prohibiting the importation, exportation, and interstate trade of bear viscera and bear viscera products, and for other purposes.

Bill NumberHR 9631

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Data Sources

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Read Full Bill Text

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(3)

D: 2R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.