Snowmobiles Aren’t Weapons Act; SAW Act
Summary
The Snowmobiles Aren't Weapons Act (SAW Act) aims to prohibit the use of motor vehicles to harass, hunt, or kill mammalian predator species on Federal land. Violators could face fines up to $10,000, imprisonment up to 5 years, or both. Exceptions are made for actions taken to avoid injury or death to oneself or another person.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely reduce the hunting of mammalian predators using motor vehicles on federal lands. This could lead to increased populations of these species in those areas. The Secretary of the Interior will be responsible for investigating violations.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially protects mammalian predator species on Federal land.
- Could lead to healthier ecosystems by maintaining predator populations.
- May reduce instances of inhumane hunting practices.
- Could enhance the recreational experience for those who value wildlife viewing over hunting.
- May prevent habitat destruction caused by off-road vehicle use during hunting.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Could limit hunting opportunities for individuals who rely on motor vehicles for access.
- May negatively impact local economies that depend on hunting-related tourism.
- Potential for increased human-wildlife conflict if predator populations grow unchecked.
- Enforcement may be challenging and costly.
- The definition of "mammalian predator" is left to the Secretary of the Interior, potentially leading to inconsistent application.
Constitutional Alignment
The SAW Act appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) as it regulates activities on federal lands, which can be considered interstate commerce due to tourism and wildlife management. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights. The delegation of defining "mammalian predator" to the Secretary of Interior is a common practice and likely permissible.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).