Archived SI output (machine-generated)

Federal Invasive Species Interstate Commerce and Lands Protection Act of 2026

Mode: Bill Generated by VFA SI Solutions Drafted: 2026.08.21

Archived SI output (machine-generated) · No editorial review recorded

This historical SI draft was machine-generated by software and has no editorial review time on record. Verify its factual and legal claims against the original source before relying on it.

Real bill

GATOR Act of 2026

External ID
HR/119/10117
Policy area
Animals
Latest action
2026-09-10
→ View original
Archived SI draft (machine-generated)

Federal Invasive Species Interstate Commerce and Lands Protection Act of 2026

To address the spread of invasive species in interstate waterways and on federal lands, protecting ecosystems and economic interests that cross state lines.

Constitutional concerns with the original

  1. The original bill may have overstepped the Tenth Amendment by regulating state-managed water bodies and lands not under federal jurisdiction.
  2. It may have lacked a clear nexus to interstate commerce as required by Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 for non-federal areas.

Solution text

This Act applies only to (1) navigable waters used in interstate commerce, (2) federal lands and waters under exclusive federal jurisdiction, and (3) activities that directly and substantially affect interstate commerce, such as the transport of invasive species across state lines. The Secretary of the Interior, in consultation with state governors, shall identify invasive species that pose a significant threat to interstate commerce or federal lands. The Secretary may issue regulations prohibiting the introduction, transport, or release of such species in areas covered by this Act. States may adopt stricter measures consistent with this Act. The Act does not preempt state laws regulating invasive species on non-federal lands or waters not affecting interstate commerce. Enforcement shall be by civil penalties not exceeding $10,000 per violation, with injunctive relief available in federal district court. The Act shall be funded by reallocating $5 million annually from existing appropriations of the Department of the Interior. It shall sunset after 5 years, with a mandatory report to Congress on effectiveness and state cooperation. The effective date is 90 days after enactment.

Operative provisions

funding source
Reallocation from existing Department of the Interior appropriations; no new taxes.
funding amount
$5 million per year, capped at $25 million total over 5 years.
sunset years
5
oversight body
Government Accountability Office (GAO) to review implementation and state consultations annually.
enforcement mechanism
Civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, injunctions in federal district court, and potential debarment from federal contracts for repeat violators.
effective date
90 days after enactment

Bipartisan rationale

Democratic priorities: protects ecosystems, addresses climate-resilient invasive species, and uses federal authority to safeguard interstate commerce. Republican priorities: respects state sovereignty by limiting federal action to federal lands and interstate commerce, includes a sunset clause, and uses existing funding without new taxes.

Constitutional citations

  • → Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 (Commerce Clause)
  • → Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 (Property Clause)
  • → Tenth Amendment

Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2 Amendment X

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Generated by VFA SI Solutions · 2026.08.21 06:00 UTC · ← Back to the Republic