HR-3276 — Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026

YourVoice.Now Summary

EnvironmentTargeted & Unrelated Provisions

A new federal program would help cities protect bird habitat — with $200,000 a year authorized through 2033.

Environment

Federal program for birds in cities — voluntary, run by wildlife agency

The Fish and Wildlife Service would create the Urban Bird Treaty Program, which cities and groups join by choice. It would offer advice and money to restore habitat, remove invasive species, and cut hazards that harm birds in cities.

Grants to cities and community groups — for urban bird habitat

The agency would run a competitive grant program. Tribal, state, and city agencies, nonprofits, community groups, and colleges could apply, and awards must be spread fairly across small, midsize, and large cities.

Money authorized for bird habitat work — $200,000 yearly, 2027 through 2033

The bill authorizes $200,000 a year for fiscal years 2027 through 2033. Authorized means a ceiling, not cash — Congress would still have to approve the money in a separate spending bill each year.

Targeted & Unrelated Provisions

Private match for these grants — 1-to-1 rule waived

By law, money Congress sends to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation usually must be matched dollar for dollar by private or state donors. The bill turns that rule off for this program, along with the bar on spending those federal dollars on the Foundation's own overhead.

More about this bill

Birds in cities and towns could get more federal help. The Fish and Wildlife Service would run a voluntary Urban Bird Treaty Program. Cities, tribes, universities, nonprofits, and community groups could apply for grants. Grant work could include removing invasive species, planting native plants, and reducing city hazards to birds. The money is small and not yet real. Congress would allow up to $200,000 a year from 2027 through 2033. That is a ceiling, and lawmakers would still have to fund it each year. A nonprofit created by Congress, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, could run the grants. Nothing here tells private landowners what to do.

Congressional Summary

Local Communities & Bird Habitat Stewardship Act of 2026 This bill provides statutory authority for the Urban Bird Treaty Program, which is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This program works with communities to support conserving and managing birds that live in and migrate through urban areas. This support includes grants administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and provided to entities including government agencies, community groups, and academic institutions for conducting activities related to the program.

Legislative Subjects

BirdsCommunity life and organizationEnvironmental assessment, monitoring, researchUrban and suburban affairs and developmentWildlife conservation and habitat protection

Details

Congress: 119th
Chamber: House
Status: summarized
Action: Passed House
Action Date: 2026-09-14
Date Added: 2026-09-09
Source: Congress.gov →

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