A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the SLOTHS Act of 2026. It makes it unlawful for any person to import certain species of sloth into the United States. There are specific exceptions allowed for dead sloths used for research and for moving sloths to covered institutions for breeding programs. The bill establishes civil and criminal penalties for violations, including fines up to $20,000 for civil violations and up to $100,000 for criminal violations. It also requires the cancellation of certain federal authorizations and provides rules for the forfeiture of unlawfully imported sloths.
Yes
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill establishes strict prohibitions and penalties on the importation of certain species of sloths to protect wildlife.
- Scored +2
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill grants federal authorities new powers to penalize violations and seize unlawfully imported animals.
- Scored +2
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The bill ensures that no civil penalty may be assessed without providing the accused person notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Protection of Legal Process: Under Section 2(c)(1)(B), no civil penalty may be assessed unless the person accused of the violation is given notice and an opportunity for a hearing. This ensures that individuals have a fair chance to respond before facing financial punishment.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Financial and Business Burdens: Under Section 2(c) and Section 2(d), individuals or entities face severe penalties for violations, including civil fines of up to $20,000, criminal fines of up to $100,000, and liability for storage, care, and maintenance costs of seized sloths. Additionally, Section 2(c)(3) mandates the cancellation of federal licenses, permits, or authorizations to import or export fish, wildlife, or plants, or to operate quarantine stations or rescue centers, without any liability for damages on the part of the Secretary under Section 2(c)(4).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill establishes strict prohibitions and penalties on the importation of certain species of sloths to protect wildlife.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The bill ensures that no civil penalty may be assessed without providing the accused person notice and an opportunity for a hearing.Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants federal authorities new powers to penalize violations and seize unlawfully imported animals.
- 10/22/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Laurel LeeRepublican · Florida