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Fossil Collecting Bill introduced into the US House. January 23, 2007 On January 18, 2007 a fossil Collecting Bill HR 554 “Paleontological Resources Preservation Act” was introduced into the U. S House of Representatives by Congressional Representatives McGovern of Massachusetts and Renzi of Arizona. It was sent to the Committees on Natural Resources and Agriculture for a period of time to be determined by the Speaker of the House. (This means that regardless of what the Committee Chair people do, the Bill can be brought to the floor of the U.S. House for a vote at any time with or without amendment or Committee recommendation). Preliminary examination of the actual Bill language suggests that is very similar to the Bills introduced and passed by the U. S. Senate in past years. Casual collecting would be allowed as seen appropriate by the government land managers. Provisions for civil and criminal penalties remain in the Bill as does a rewards section for information on possible violators and other property confiscation including all paleontology resources. No like Bill has been introduced in the U. S. Senate, but is expected in the next few days. Carolyn Weinberger AFMs Editor Please share this information with your mineral and fossil groups. This is very important!
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