Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the sale, harvesting, trade, and distribution of shark fins.

Highlights:

• Prohibits any person from (Sec. 1):

• Selling, trading, or distributing, or offering for sale any shark fin; or

• Possessing any shark fin that has been taken from a shark before its lawful landing.

• Exempts the provisions of the preceding highlight for (Sec. 1):

• Lawfully obtained shark fins possessed, sold, traded, distributed, or offered for sale for scientific research or educational purposes;

• Lawfully obtained smooth dogfish or spiny dogfish fin; and

• Shark fins lawfully obtained by a commercial or recreational fisherman in accordance with licenses or permits issued to the commercial or recreational fisherman.

• Specifies that a violation of this act will (Sec. 1):

• Result in a civil administrative penalty; and

• Be considered a possible criminal action after a third or subsequent violation. 

• Specifies that a violation of this act by an individual or business holding a license or permit issued to a commercial or recreational fisherman will result in the suspension or revocation of the license or permit (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text