0
0

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025

2/11/2025, 5:08 AM

Summary of Bill HR 347

Bill 119 HR 347, also known as the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program, is a piece of legislation that aims to protect and support sea turtles in the United States. The bill requires the Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program specifically designed to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation of sea turtles that have been injured or stranded.

The grant program will provide funding to organizations and agencies that work to rescue and care for sea turtles in need. This includes funding for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and release efforts for injured or stranded sea turtles. The goal of the program is to help ensure the survival and well-being of sea turtles, which are an important and endangered species in the United States.

The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting sea turtles and their habitats, as well as the need for collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other stakeholders in order to effectively address the threats facing sea turtles. By establishing the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program, the bill aims to provide much-needed support and resources to those working to protect and conserve these iconic marine animals. Overall, Bill 119 HR 347 is a proactive and important piece of legislation that seeks to address the challenges facing sea turtles in the United States and ensure their continued survival for future generations.

Congressional Summary of HR 347

Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025

This bill expands the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue and Response Grant Program to include separate grants to rescue sea turtles for the next seven years. The grants must be used for

  • the recovery, care, or treatment of sick, injured, or entangled sea turtles;
  • responses to rescue stranded sea turtles;
  • the collection of data and samples from living or dead stranded sea turtles for scientific research or health assessments;
  • facility operating costs that are directly related to activities to assist sea turtles; or 
  • development of stranding network capacity where facilities do not exist or are sparse.

In addition, the bill establishes the Sea Turtle Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Rapid Response Fund.

Current Status of Bill HR 347

Bill HR 347 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 13, 2025. Bill HR 347 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 13, 2025.  Bill HR 347's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources. as of January 13, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 347

Total Number of Sponsors
3
Democrat Sponsors
3
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
4
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 347

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 347

To require the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program.
To require the Secretary of Commerce to establish the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program.

Comments