Bill · H.R. 8471· House(119-HR-8471)
PRIMATE Act
- Introduced
- 4/23/2026
- Last activity
- 4/23/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- Sponsored by
- W. Steube
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 8
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "PRIMATE Act," seeks to amend the Tariff Act of 1930. It establishes a general prohibition on the importation of any live nonhuman primate into the United States. An exception is made for primates imported by and for placement with an AZA-accredited facility, provided the importer certifies the animals will not be used for breeding or conducting experiments and testing. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is tasked with denying clearance for prohibited shipments. Violators may face civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation and the forfeiture of the animals.
Yes
Does this tighten control of the border?+3
The bill empowers U.S. Customs and Border Protection to deny clearance for prohibited shipments of nonhuman primates.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+2
The bill restricts the importation of certain goods, which may prevent exposure to risks associated with nonhuman primates.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+1
The bill requires the Secretary to issue regulations after notice and opportunity for public comment.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-3
The bill imposes strict prohibitions and potential $50,000 fines on businesses attempting to import nonhuman primates.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Protection against experimental use: The bill allows for an exception where primates are brought into the country for AZA-accredited facilities, provided they are not used for breeding or for experiments or testing (Section 2, subsection c).
-
Strict enforcement of import rules: U.S. Customs and Border Protection is required to deny clearance for shipments containing prohibited nonhuman primates (Section 2, subsection d).
-
Financial accountability for violators: The Secretary can assess civil penalties of up to $50,000 for each violation of this section (Section 2, subsection e, clause 1).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Restrictions on importation: It becomes unlawful for any person to import any nonhuman primate into the United States, subject to specific exceptions (Section 2, subsection b).
-
Financial and property loss for violators: Any nonhuman primate imported in violation of these provisions is subject to forfeiture to the United States (Section 2, subsection e, clause 2).
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Significant fines: Individuals or entities that violate the provisions or any resulting regulations may be assessed a civil penalty of up to $50,000 per violation (Section 2, subsection e, clause 1).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-3
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+1
- 8/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/23/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/22/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 7/20/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/3/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/12/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/28/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/23/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Gus BilirakisRepublican · Florida
Brendan BoyleDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Aaron BeanRepublican · Florida
André CarsonDemocrat · Indiana
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Raja KrishnamoorthiDemocrat · Illinois
Zoe LofgrenDemocrat · California
Susie LeeDemocrat · Nevada
Nancy MaceRepublican · South Carolina
Nicole MalliotakisRepublican · New York
Jared MoskowitzDemocrat · Florida
Dina TitusDemocrat · Nevada
Debbie Wasserman SchultzDemocrat · Florida