Bear Poaching Elimination Act

This bill would make it illegal to import into or export from the United States bear gallbladders, bile, other internal organs or body fluids, or products containing or advertised as containing them. It would also ban selling, buying, possessing, or transporting these items across state lines or in foreign trade. Knowing violations could bring a fine and up to 1 year in prison, a civil penalty of up to $25,000 per violation, and seizure of the items. Government officers could handle these items only to enforce wildlife laws, and the bill states it does not affect lawful state bear hunting, state management of bears, or use in traditional Native American ceremonies.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Michael T. McCaul Republican sponsor
• 3 cosponsors