Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act of 2025
Last recorded step: House, Mar 19, 2026.
Nothing scheduled on the calendars we hold.
This bill would generally bar federal agencies from prohibiting the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters.
What it does
This bill would prohibit the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Forest Service from banning or regulating the use of lead ammunition or fishing tackle on federal lands and waters. Exceptions would be allowed if a specific unit of federal land experiences a wildlife population decline primarily caused by lead use, provided the determination is supported by field data and approved by the relevant state. The legislation also maintains certain existing regulations already in place regarding lead usage.
Who is affected
This bill affects individuals who use lead ammunition or tackle for hunting and fishing on federal lands and waters. It also impacts federal agencies, specifically the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Forest Service, by limiting their authority to regulate these materials. Additionally, state wildlife agencies are affected as their approval is required for certain federal lead-related regulations to take effect.
Key provisions
- Restriction on lead ammunition and tackle regulations. Prohibits the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Forest Service from banning or regulating the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters.
- Exceptions for existing regulations. Provides that the prohibitions in the bill do not apply to certain specified regulations already in effect.
- Conditions for new lead-related restrictions. Allows for new regulations if a federal agency determines lead use is the primary cause of wildlife population decline at a specific site based on field data, provided the affected state approves the regulations.
Fiscal impact
- H.R. 556, Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act· As reported by the House Committee on Natural Resources on November 25,2025
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill restricts the regulatory authority of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Forest Service regarding lead ammunition and tackle, while maintaining certain specified existing regulations already in effect.
Stated purpose
The bill aims to prevent federal agencies from prohibiting or regulating the use of lead ammunition or tackle on federal lands and waters, unless specific scientific criteria regarding wildlife population declines are met and state approval is obtained.