S. 5230: Make State Wildlife Action Plans Efficient Act of 2026

This bill would change how the federal government approves state wildlife conservation plans under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act.

What it would do

• It would require the Secretary of the Interior to decide on a state’s wildlife conservation and restoration program within 180 days after the state submits its comprehensive plan.
• When a state submits its plan, the Secretary would have to conditionally authorize the state’s program and set aside the money connected to that program.
• The bill would require the Interior Department, working with the states, to create a process that ensures:
  • state plans are reviewed in a timely way, and
  • final approval happens no later than 180 days after submission.
• It states that Congress wants the Secretary to prioritize quick review and approval of these state programs.
• If a plan is not approved within the required time, the Secretary would have to send a report to relevant congressional committees by June 1 of the following year, explaining the status of the plan and why it was not approved.

Practical effect

In plain terms, the bill is designed to speed up federal review of state wildlife funding plans and reduce delays. States would get earlier notice about whether their plans can move forward, and federal money tied to those plans would be reserved sooner while the review is pending.

Relevant Companies

None found.