What does Preamble of Canyon’s Law do?

This bill, formally titled 'To prohibit the use of M-44 devices, commonly known as ``cyanide bombs'', on public land, and for other purposes,' aims to prohibit the use of M-44 devices on public land. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 26, 2025.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Canyon’s Law do?

This Act is formally titled Canyon's Law.

What does FINDINGS. of Canyon’s Law do?

This section outlines findings related to M-44 devices, which use sodium cyanide as a pesticide. Sodium cyanide is classified as a Category One acute toxicant by the Environmental Protection Agency due to its harmful effects on people and the environment. Exposure to sodium cyanide can cause severe health consequences, including central nervous system depression, cardiac arrest, and respiratory failure. M-44 devices have been used in multiple states, including Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming. Incidents involving M-44 devices have resulted in exposure to sodium cyanide for children and the deaths of numerous family dogs since 1990. The devices have also harmed non-target wildlife and people, with at least 42 accidental triggers reported since 1984. M-44 devices are not consistently effective, killing targeted animals only 53% of the time, and have killed numerous non-target species, including endangered species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined in 1993 that M-44 devices could kill endangered species, yet their use continues in areas where these species are present.

What does USE OF M-44 DEVICES ON PUBLIC LAND PROHIBITED. of Canyon’s Law do?

This section prohibits the use of M-44 devices on public land. Federal, State, and county agencies must remove any M-44 devices from public land within 30 days of the Act's enactment. An 'M-44 device' is defined as a device designed to propel sodium cyanide when triggered by an animal, including devices commonly known as 'M-44 ejector device' or 'M-44 predator control device'. ’Public land’ is defined as Federal land under the administrative jurisdiction of a public land management agency. ’Public land management agency’ includes the National Park Service, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Forest Service.

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Canyon’s Law

Last updated: 6/26/2025 · Introduced: 6/26/2025

Author: Jeff Merkley (D-OR)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits federal, state, and county agencies from using M-44 devices, which contain sodium cyanide, on public land.
Existing M-44 devices must be removed from public land within 30 days of the bill's enactment.
The bill defines 'M-44 device' and 'public land' to clarify the scope of the prohibition, encompassing various federal land management agencies.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 4180(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 2 more.

4 sections

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