The bill mandates a study on the impact of treating certain reptiles as threatened species.

The bill, known as the "Gathering Alligator Treatment, Oversight, and Response Act of 2026" or the "GATOR Act of 2026," requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the effects of treating specific reptiles as threatened species. The study will examine how this treatment has influenced the management programs of these reptiles, their population sizes, and whether it has led to invasive species issues in Florida. The covered reptiles include the American alligator, common caiman, and brown caiman.

The bill mandates a study on the impact of treating certain reptiles as threatened species.

The bill, known as the "Gathering Alligator Treatment, Oversight, and Response Act of 2026" or the "GATOR Act of 2026," requires the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the effects of treating specific reptiles as threatened species. The study will examine how this treatment has influenced the management programs of these reptiles, their population sizes, and whether it has led to invasive species issues in Florida. The covered reptiles include the American alligator, common caiman, and brown caiman.