HR1992-119

What This Bill Does

The Kangaroo Protection Act creates a federal commercial ban on specified kangaroos and products made in whole or in part from those animals. It covers western grey kangaroos, eastern grey kangaroos, common wallaroos, and red kangaroos. After a 180-day delayed effective date, it would be unlawful to knowingly bring a covered kangaroo into the United States for commercial purposes, possess one with intent to sell, sell one, or introduce, manufacture for introduction, sell, offer to sell, trade, advertise, transport, or distribute a kangaroo product in interstate commerce. Violations can be punished by a fine up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, with each violation treated separately. The Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Attorney General, Agriculture Secretary, and other appropriate agencies, must issue implementing regulations.

Who Benefits and How

Wildlife protection advocates benefit because the bill removes U.S. commercial demand for products from the covered kangaroo species. Consumers seeking kangaroo-free goods benefit from a federal ban on selling, advertising, and distributing covered products in interstate commerce. Domestic alternative-material suppliers benefit if footwear, leather, meat, or sporting-goods buyers shift away from kangaroo-derived inputs. Federal wildlife and trade regulators benefit from explicit statutory authority to police covered kangaroo commerce.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Importers of kangaroo leather, meat, or other products lose access to the U.S. commercial market for covered goods. Retailers selling kangaroo-derived products must remove covered inventory, advertising, transport, and distribution channels. The Commerce Department must write regulations in consultation with Justice, USDA, and any other appropriate agencies. Federal prosecutors and investigators must enforce criminal penalties and venue rules for separate violations.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits commercial import, possession with intent to sell, and sale of specified kangaroos.
• Bars interstate manufacture, sale, trade, advertising, transport, and distribution of kangaroo products.
• Creates penalties of up to $10,000, one year imprisonment, or both for each knowing violation.
• Directs Commerce-led regulations and delays the ban's operative provisions for 180 days after enactment.