H.R. 6268 — LEAD Act of 2025

This section declares congressional findings on the risks of lead ammunition and ammunition fragments to human health (including neurotoxicity with no safe exposure level, particularly for children), wildlife (including threatened and endangered species via ingestion or scavenging), livestock, and food supplies; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 1991 requirement for nontoxic ammunition in waterfowl hunting; the availability and comparable performance of non-lead alternatives; and the issuance and repeal of Director's Order 219 in 2017.

This section directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to issue final regulations not later than one year after enactment prohibiting the discharge of any firearm using ammunition other than certified nonlead ammunition (i.e., ammunition with no lead content, excluding trace amounts of 1% or less by weight) on all lands and waters under U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service jurisdiction. The Director must establish and annually update a list of certified nonlead ammunition in consultation with state and tribal governments. The prohibition does not apply to (1) a government official or agent carrying out a statutory duty unrelated to wildlife management, (2) a state, local, tribal, or federal law enforcement officer or agent carrying out a statutory duty, or (3) an active member of the U.S. military carrying out official duties. A knowing violation is subject to a civil penalty of no more than $500 for the first violation and a fine of not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 for a second or subsequent violation.