H.R. 135 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Natural Resources, Jan 3, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryGives endangered species protection to manatees
The bill would require the Department of the Interior to add the West Indian manatee to the official endangered species list. This would give the manatee the same legal protections that apply to other endangered animals.
How it affects you
Most people won't notice direct changes in daily life. However, if you live in Florida or other areas where manatees swim, laws about boating and water activities may be affected to protect the animals. Businesses involved in waterway development or fishing in manatee habitats could face new restrictions.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jan 3, 2025)
Manatee Protection Act of 2025
This bill requires the Department of the Interior to include the West Indian manatee ( Trichechus manatus ) in the endangered species list and give the species protections provided to endangered species.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 135
A BILL
Manatee Protection Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16) · Introduced Jan 3, 2025 · Environmental Protection · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Jan 3, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.”