Lacey Act update!

[Bogertophis]

Lacey Act Update We have been posting relevant updates on our main alert page at https://usark.org/2022lacey/. To be brief, the “CHIPS-Plus” bill that passed in the Senate passed the House on 7/28 (243-187 vote). This bill includes some of the technology initiatives included in the America COMPETES Act, USICA, and other bills. The portions of COMPETES that were not germane to the intent of the bill (including the bad Lacey Act amendments) were not added to the CHIPS-Plus package. This should be the end of any threat from these Lacey Act amendments for this Congressional session. Thank you to everyone who contacted their legislatures and voiced opposition! Your opposition is hugely important and needed. When advocacy groups like USARK meet with legislators, they give us more attention if they have been hearing from their constituents. The Reptile Nation is a huge part of USARK and we just want to say thank you again to those who took the time to fight for responsible herpetoculturists. Also, a huge thank you to other animal keepers and organizations who opposed these Lacey Act amendments! USARK and herp keepers were certainly not the only ones fighting. The stoppage of these Lacey Act amendments shows that various animal interest groups can work together and make a difference. Thank you! ALERT: Alabama The Alabama Department of Natural Resources had proposed new regulations that will impact some herpetoculturists. Comments are due Thursday, August 4, 2022. Public hearing and comments: The public hearing is 10:00 AM on August 4 at the Folsom Administrative Building Room 474, 64 N. Union Street, Montgomery, Alabama. You must provide notice of appearance to speak at least 48 hours in advance to dcnr.wffdirector@dcnr.alabama.gov. Written comments must be submitted by August 4 to dcnr.wffdirector@dcnr.alabama.gov or mail to Charles Sykes, 64 N. Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36130. The phone number is 334-242-3465. Changes of note: Makes all king snakes (Lampropeltis spp.) and hybrids illegal to own, breed, and sell without a scientific collection permit or permit from the Commissioner. Currently, only Eastern, prairie, and black “speckled” king snakes are listed. Makes it illegal to own more than one box turtle (all Terrapene spp.) or sell/trade a box turtle without a scientific collection permit or permit from the Commissioner. There are other new rules including, but not limited to, additional protected nongame species and Eastern diamondback rattlesnake regulations. The full proposal can be read at https://www.outdooralabama.com/sites/default/files/220-2-.92.pdf. Full details and sample messaging at https://usark.org/2022al/. On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/a.398227663592526/5226449590770285/ Lacey Act Frequently Act Questions (FAQ) We have compiled a comprehensive list of questions and answers regarding the unsettling Lacey Act amendments found in the America COMPETES Act. Please read and share to keep animal communities and businesses informed. This is especially helpful on social media where we have seen misinformation posted regarding this issue. This FAQ is a very valuable and informative tool to keep everyone educated. Thank you to everyone opposing these disturbing and overreaching changes to the Lacey Act! On our website: https://usark.org/2022laceyfaq/ On Facebook (image 1): https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/4891602957588285/ On Facebook (image 2): https://www.facebook.com/UnitedStatesAssociationOfReptileKeepers/photos/4895288790553035/

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[Homebody]

Wow! That's great news!

[Bogertophis]

Wow! That's great news!

But just remember, it's temporary. We all have to remain vigilant in the future- & USARK is well-worth supporting, IMO. We must all stick together.

[dakski]

Great news, but yes, we have to continue to fight!

Thank you to everyone who helped fight this.

For those that didn't think it was necessary - please think about fighting next time. This was a close one. We need all the help we can get.