Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025

# Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would create a new Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission—a multi-state advisory group designed to coordinate fishing and fish management policies across the Mississippi River and its connected waterways. The commission would bring together representatives from multiple states (including Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Illinois, and others) to work together on shared fishery issues and provide recommendations to the federal government, likely through the Department of the Interior. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect the 15+ states that border or have territory connected to the Mississippi River Basin. It could impact commercial and recreational fishers, state wildlife agencies, and communities that depend on healthy fish populations for food and economic activity.

The federal government would also be involved in overseeing or coordinating with the commission. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (HR 1514) is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. Sponsor Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi) introduced it in the 119th Congress. The bill would need committee approval and then a full House vote before moving to the Senate for consideration.