Make SWAPs Efficient Act of 2025

This bill would establish a 180-day deadline for the Department of the Interior to approve state wildlife action plans submitted under the State Wildlife Grant Program. If the Department finds a plan complies with program requirements but fails to act within the timeframe, the plan would be automatically approved. Additionally, the bill would require the Department to set aside funding for the state from the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account if the approval deadline is missed.

This bill primarily affects the Department of the Interior, which would be required to adhere to a 180-day deadline for approving state wildlife action plans. State wildlife agencies are also affected, as their conservation and restoration programs would receive automatic approval and dedicated funding from the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account if the federal deadline is missed.

• Establishment of approval deadline for state wildlife programs. The bill requires the Department of the Interior to approve a state wildlife conservation and restoration program within 180 days of receiving a state wildlife action plan (SWAP), provided the plan meets existing program requirements.
• Automatic approval for missed deadlines. If the Department of the Interior fails to act on a submitted state wildlife action plan within the 180-day timeframe, the plan is considered automatically approved.
• Mandatory funding set-asides. In instances where the approval deadline is missed, the Department of the Interior must set aside funds for the state from the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account.

This bill modifies the existing State Wildlife Grant Program (SWGP) by establishing a 180-day deadline for the Department of the Interior to approve state wildlife action plans (SWAPs). It further amends the administration of the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account by requiring automatic approval and funding set-asides if the Department fails to meet this new statutory deadline.

The bill aims to streamline the administration of the State Wildlife Grant Program by establishing a 180-day deadline for the Department of the Interior to approve state wildlife action plans. It seeks to ensure timely funding for state wildlife conservation and restoration programs by providing for automatic approval and the set-aside of funds if the federal government fails to meet this review deadline.