Vermont Prohibits Trade in Endangered Species While Protecting Amphibians and Reptiles

Overview

On June 5, 2025, Vermont enacted HB 231, offering for the first time durable protection to amphibians and reptiles. The law prohibits the sale of these species, as well as the import or export of endangered or threatened species from Vermont. HB 231 builds on a 2020 law that prohibits the sale of parts and products from specific exotic species such as elephants, rhinos, sharks, and whales. State Representative Larry Satcowitz was the primary sponsor of the bill, and it was requested by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.

• Why It Matters: Although Vermont previously restricted the “take” of endangered and threatened (T&E) species in the state – “take” refers to activities like harassing, harming, or killing – it had not yet restricted the sale, import, and export of these species. Under this new law, trade in T&E species is expressly prohibited. In addition, amphibians and reptiles – which are vital to healthy ecosystems – are declining nationwide at an alarming rate, and many states do not protect them at all. These animals will now be protected in Vermont, helping to protect and restore the state’s biodiversity. 

Key Components of the Bill

Vermont HB 231 will help protect the diversity of native species in Vermont by addressing the following:

• Wildlife Trafficking: The law prohibits the sale, delivery, transport, or shipment, as well as import or export of T&E species both in-state and out of state.
• New Species Protections: Native reptiles and amphibians are protected unless otherwise exempted from protection by rule of the Fish and Wildlife Commissioner. Such rules adopted by the Commissioner must be designed to maintain the best health and population of the regulated amphibian or reptile. 
• Location of T&E Species: Creates a subset list of T&E species whose names and location will be excluded in regulatory planning due to the risk of unauthorized take, collection, or destruction of habitat. The list will be based on scarcity of the species, known collection and trade, or other factors presenting a threat to the continued existence of the species. 

Context: Endangered Species and Wildlife Trafficking in Vermont

Rep. Satcowitz introduced a bill last year on invasive species, HB 812. Although it did not pass, it contained provisions that would have updated the endangered species laws of Vermont. This year, he worked with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department to craft a bill requested by the Department, which includes trade prohibitions for endangered and threatened species, as well as protections for amphibians and reptiles.  

• In Their Words – Vermont State Representative Larry Satcowitz: “I’ve been terribly concerned my entire adult life about the increasing damage humans have inflicted on our diverse ecosystems and the biodiversity they contain. I’ve studied the issue in both formal educational settings (I have an M.S. degree in Zoology) and informally through my own readings over the years. I’ve learned more than enough to understand that we’re not doing enough to protect endangered species.”

Other State Action on Endangered and Protected Species in 2025  

States across the country are advancing new protections for endangered species in 2025, with legislation expanding conservation authority, strengthening wildlife trafficking enforcement, and safeguarding a broader range of vulnerable plants and animals.

1. Expanded Conservation Authority

• New Mexico SB 5 (Enacted 2025): Expands the New Mexico Department of Wildlife’s authority to conserve all species – not just recreationally hunted or fished species; boosts its funding; and modernizes criteria for appointments to the State Wildlife Commission.
• New Hampshire SB 235 (Enacted 2025): Allows the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department to use Pittman-Robertson Act funds for threatened and endangered species conservation.

2. Species Inclusion & Legal Protections

• Colorado HB24-1117 (Enacted 2024): Adds rare plants and invertebrates to the list of species that must be conserved and protected under Colorado’s Nongame, Endangered, or Threatened Species Conservation Act.
• Hawaii SB 849 (Enacted 2025): Prohibits and imposes penalties for the intentional taking, harming, or killing of endangered ʻIo (Hawaiian hawk); increases penalties and fees for taking and killing indigenous species of native aquatic life, wildlife, and plants.

3. Wildlife Trafficking & Trade Restrictions

• Pennsylvania HB 994 (Passed House, 2025): Prohibits the purchase, sale, offer for sale, or possession with intent to sell any covered animal parts or products of 22 exotic species, and establishes fines ranging from $5,000 to $20,000.

• Colorado SB25-168 (Enacted 2025): Strengthens CPW’s authority to enforce wildlife trafficking laws by creating additional investigative positions; enhances penalties for trafficking state, federal, and CITES (international) listed species; creates a position for collecting population data about Colorado’s native reptile species.

Stay Informed on Endangered Species Policy With NCEL

Learn more about Endangered Species policy trends and case studies from across the country with NCEL’s report “Lessons Learned in Crafting Endangered Species Policy” and by visiting our Endangered Species webpage.