Legislative & Regulatory Affairs
ZAA Contact
Email: [email protected]
Tom Albert
ZAA Government Affairs Consultant
Vanessa Gagne
ZAA Government Affairs Team Member
Federal Legislation
Federal Legislation
HR 7159 Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026
On January 20, 2026, Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona introduced HR 7159, the Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026, which would make several amendments to the Lacey Act as amended by the Big Cat Public Safety Act. Among other things the bill as introduced would add USDA Class B licensees to the list of exempt facilities, allow trained volunteer staff, volunteer medical professionals and professional researchers, and facility owners to have contact with the animals in their care, clarifies authorized export facilities, allow USDA licensees who mistakenly registered under the BCPSA to cancel it, and clarify that clouded leopards (Neofelis nebulosa) and snow leopards (Uncia uncia) were not intended to be included in the Captive Wildlife Safety Act, which BCPSA amended. ZAA SUPPORTS AS INTRODUCED.
ZAA is proud to support the recently introduced bill, Protecting Local Zoos Act of 2026. We thank Rep. Paul Gosar for his sponsorship and we look forward to seeing this bill move through the process.
US HR 3112 (“Better Care for Animals Act”)
S. 1538 (“Better Care for Animals Act”
HR 3199 and S.1594 ("Captive Primate Safety Act"). Prohibits private ownership of most primate species but exempts USDA Class licensees from the prohibitions and does NOT include any restrictions on public contact or display of listed primate species.
US HR 3199
US S 1594
HR 349 "Goldie's Act"
To amend the Animal Welfare Act to increase enforcement with respect to violations of that Act, and for other purposes. Reintroduction of “Goldie’s Act.” ZAA OPPOSES AS INTRODUCED.
HR 1897 - ESA Amendments Act of 2025
To amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to optimize conservation through resource prioritization, incentivize wildlife conservation on private lands, provide for greater incentives to recover listed species, create greater transparency and accountability in recovering listed species, streamline the permitting process, eliminate barriers to conservation, and restore congressional intent. ZAA supports as introduced.
Federal Agencies
ESA Reform
The USFWS is in the process of revising its regulations under the ESA. One of the key reforms is related to the 4d Rule. Here are some links with additional information and ZAA’s 2025 comments.
US FWS CITES CoP20 Public Comments
The US Fish and Wildlife Service has extended the public comment period regarding the provisional agenda for the upcoming CITES meeting (CoP20) in Uzbekistan November 24-December 5, 2025. The comment period is open through September 17, 2025. The FR notice and the provisional agenda may be reviewed and comments submitted here: https://www.regulations.gov/document/FWS-HQ-IA-2024-0033-0287
On April 16, 2025, the US Fish Wildlife Service (“USFWS”) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (“NMFS”) published a notice of proposed rulemaking to remove the definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”).
Letter to President Trump
ZAA welcomed President Trump and his Administration to their new roles. Additionally, ZAA advocated for some of the key issues facing our members. Read our letter!
USDA APHIS
ZAA regularly meets with federal agencies to advocate for our members. Here is an example of a recent congressional letter and the agency's response, which recognizes the agency's engagement with our organization.
USFWS Proposed Giraffe ESA Listing
On November 21, 2024 the US Fish and Wildlife Service published a proposed rule to several giraffe species under the Endangered Species Act. Specifically, the Service proposes listing three subspecies of northern giraffe from west, central and east Africa as endangered and two giraffe species from east Africa as threatened with tailored protections through a 4(d) rule. ZAA values conservation and works to support the future of all wild species. It is our belief that USFWS needs to recognize the large number of captive-bred giraffe in the U.S. While it is essential to protect wild giraffe populations we must also ensure that this listing does not place unnecessary burdens on zoological facilities that are already making great strides in the protection and propagation of giraffe. Tom Albert, ZAA's Government Affairs Consultant, and Nicholas Lacovara examined the harmful impacts that this decision will have on the zoological industry in a webinar. You can view this webinar in our member resources page.
Federal Deregulation Comments
Below are ZAA comments submitted to the federal government for suggesting regulations that should be eliminated that are relevant to ZAA members.
Advocating for State Policies
2026 Activity
CO HB26-1133 Traveling Animal Protection Act Environmental Education Program
IL SB 2747 and IL HB 4255
This legislation amends the existing prohibition on the use of elephants in traveling animal acts to extend to bears, big cats and non-human primates. It includes broad definition of performance which could conflict with the exemption that allows display and exhibition at non-mobile facilities. SB 2747 remains in committee. HB 4255 was reported favorably by Committee hearing on March 18. ZAA submitted testimony in opposition. Floor amendment offered that would amend the bill to clearly exempt all “performances” at USDA licensed zoos. Amendment pending in committee.
VA HB 112 and SB 344
This legislation is similar to what was passed by the legislature in Virginia but ultimately vetoed by the then Governor. It seeks to prohibit early (prior to four months of age) separation of young animals and would apply to any mammalian wildlife species. There are exceptions including for medical reasons and under certain conditions for “accredited zoological facilities,” defined as a zoological facility that is accredited by an organization that, as of January 1, 2024, (a) was operating as an accrediting organization, (b) had published standards of accreditation for zoological facilities, and (c) had at least 20 accredited zoological facility members.” The bills also prohibit the intentional propagation of hybrid mammals. HB 112, as amended, was passed by the House on February 10 and reported out of the Senate Agriculture Committee on February 24. SB 344, as amended, was passed by the Senate on February 9 and is pending in the House Agriculture Committee. HB 112 was passed by the Senate and SB 344 was passed by the House. Both are on the Governor’s desk.
2025 Activity
California AB 892
This bill would prohibit any general public contact with any of the following species: Bears, Caracals, Elephants, Kangaroos, or any hybrid of a kangaroo, Non-human primates, Otters, Servals, Sloths or Wallaby, or any hybrid of a wallaby. The bill was opposed by ZAA members in California and by ZAA even before it was amended to add an exemption for AZA facilities. The bill was scheduled for a Committee hearing on April 8, 2025. ZAA Executive Director Kelly George traveled to Sacramento to be one of the primary opposition witnesses against the bill at the hearing. However, the evening before the hearing the bill sponsor requested it be removed from the agenda. Due to the statutory legislative deadlines in California this means the bill likely will not be taken up during this year. It will carry over to 2026 but will have a narrow window in which it could be moved in the Assembly. This was largely the result of the efforts of a coalition of California ZAA members, working with an experienced professional lobbyist and other allies, to demonstrate that there is significant opposition to the bill both due to its arbitrary and unreasonable restrictions and its inequitable approach.
Nevada AB 136
Requires a commercial establishment that sells access to live animals to interact with the public to post a sign on premises displaying a telephone number a person can contact if they believe an animal is being subjected to cruelty. Amended to exempt an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums from the signage requirement and passed the Assembly on April 17. Passed out of the Senate committee without amendment. Approved by the Governor.
New York SB 3629
Prohibits the participation of certain animals in traveling animal act - bans kangaroos, wallabies, bears, all cats except for domestic, and non-human primates from any and all exhibitions including petting zoos and carnivals. Does not apply to a performance at a permanent facility so long as the covered animal is at the facility for more than fourteen days. Committee hearing held 2/25/2025. Bill amended to remove any reference to time limits for performances at permanent facilities.
New York AB 5850
Same as NY SB 3629 (as amended). Prohibits the participation of certain animals in traveling animal act - bans kangaroos, wallabies, bears, all cats except for domestic, and non-human primates from any and all exhibitions including petting zoos and carnivals. Does not apply to a performance at a permanent facility.
New York SB 5721
Prohibits the use of primates in entertainment acts. Exempts AZA zoos.
New York A 1835
Prohibits the use of primates in entertainment acts. Exempts AZA zoos.
South Carolina HB 3937
This bill creates a permit requirement for the possession of venomous reptiles. Exempts AZA zoos.
South Carolina HB 4100
This bill creates a permit requirement for exotic wildlife. Exempts AZA zoos.
Virginia SB 1125
Would have prohibited propagation of wildlife without a permit, as well as premature separation of young wildlife and hybridization of species. AZA was identified as a resource and authority on separation practices and AZA facilities were exempt from the prohibition of hybridization. Amended and passed on the floor of the Senate to remove permit requirement, allow exceptions for early separation, remove reference to breeding of subspecies and to remove references to and exception for AZA facilities. Further narrowing amendments made in the House Agriculture Committee. Passed By House And Senate As Amended. Vetoed by Governor. Veto sustained. ZAA OPPOSED AS INTRODUCED.
Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife
301 KAR 2.082
Updates requirements including permitting for transportation and holding of live exotic wildlife. Adds exemption from permitting for AZA facilities.