Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act

# Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act (HR 556) – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would prevent federal agencies—including the Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Forest Service—from banning or restricting the use of lead ammunition and fishing tackle on federal lands and waters. Currently, some federal areas have regulations limiting lead ammunition due to environmental and wildlife health concerns. If passed, this bill would largely prevent such restrictions, though it would allow exceptions in cases where agencies have field data proving that lead use is directly causing wildlife population declines at a specific location, and the state government approves new regulations. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects hunters and anglers who use federal lands and waters for recreation.

It also impacts federal land management agencies and wildlife conservation efforts. Environmental groups and wildlife advocates have concerns about lead ammunition and tackle, as lead can harm or kill wildlife that ingest ammunition fragments or discarded fishing weights. **Current Status** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Representative Robert Wittman (R-VA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.