118TH CONGRESS 1ST SESSION
H. R. 2742
To amend the Animal Welfare Act to provide for greater protection of roosters, and for other purposes.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
APRIL 20, 2023
Mr. BACON (for himself, MS. SALINAS, Mr. FITZPATRICK, MS. BARRAGÁN, Mr. MIKE GARCIA of California, Ms. CROCKETT, MS. MACE, Mr. DOGGETT, Mr. BUCHANAN, Mr. AMODEL, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. CAREY, Mr. GOODEN of Texas, Mr. CARTER of Louisiana, Mr. KEAN of New Jersey, Mr. NEGUSE, MS. SÁNCHEZ, MS. TITUS, Mr. QUIGLEY, and Mr. DAVIS of North Carolina) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, 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.
Total Sponsors as of 1/24/2024
97 Bipartisan Support
Breakdown of HR2742
This is a bill introduced in the United States Congress, specifically the House of Representatives, with the aim of amending the Animal Welfare Act to provide greater protection for roosters and address issues related to animal-fighting ventures. Here's a breakdown in plain text:
Title of the Bill:
The bill is titled "Fighting Inhumane Gambling and High-Risk Trafficking Act," or "FIGHT Act" for short.
Section 2: Definition of Rooster:
This section adds a definition for "rooster" as any male member of the Gallus Domesticus species older than six months. Essentially, it clarifies what is meant by a rooster for the purposes of the law.
Section 3: Use of Postal Service or Interstate Instrumentality to Transport Roosters:
This section modifies the Animal Welfare Act to include the use of postal services or other interstate means for transporting roosters.
It expands the law to state that it's illegal to use such services for the purpose of advertising or to transport roosters.
Section 4: Animal Fighting Venture Simulcasting Prohibited:
This section addresses animal fighting ventures. It prohibits the sponsoring, exhibiting, attending, causing a minor to attend, or simulcasting of such ventures.
It specifies that no one shall transmit or receive international, interstate, or intrastate simulcasting of an animal fighting venture in the United States or any U.S. territory.
Section 5: Civil Citizen Suits; Seizure:
This section deals with enforcement and penalties. It allows any person to bring a civil suit in federal court to enjoin someone who violates the law. A fine of up to $5,000 can be imposed for each violation.
There are limitations on when such suits can be initiated, including giving notice to the Secretary of Agriculture.
This section also provides for the seizure of property involved in violations, such as real property used for animal fighting ventures.
Section 6: Technical Corrections:
This section includes technical corrections to previous laws to align with the changes introduced in this bill.
It makes adjustments to the Agricultural Act of 2014 and the Animal Welfare Act.
It clarifies that state laws related to animal fighting ventures are not superseded or invalidated by federal law except in cases of direct and irreconcilable conflicts.
It also adds a section to Title 39 of the United States Code to classify material related to this law as nonmailable.
In summary, this bill aims to enhance and strengthen regulations related to attacking animal fighting ventures. It introduces definitions, penalties, and enforcement mechanisms to address these issues.
Link to Full Bill Text Here
Links below to Committee and Subcommittee members