The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, H.R. 1684, and the Horse Protection Amendments Act, H.R. 1675, were both recently introduced in the 119th Congress.  The PAST Act would eliminate the use of pads and action devices, eliminate the Horse Industry Organization system of enforcement and increase penalties for violators of the HPA.  This legislation was introduced and sponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania's 1st district.

The Horse Protection Amendments Act, which has widespread industry support and was introduced by Rep. Scott DesJarlais and Rep. John Rose, both from Tennessee.  This amendment to the HPA calls for more objective and science based inspections of Tennessee Walking Horses at competitions.  Full text of both bills will be released soon, however both bills are likely to mirror previous versions of these bills introduced in previous Congresses.

The USDA recently tried to put the PAST Act in place through regulation however that action was challenged in a Texas federal court and the supermajority of the rule was vacated leaving the current system of enforcement in place.  The highly subjective nature of the inspection system utilized by both the USDA and HIOs as well as the qualifications for inspectors needs to be addressed and come more in line with all other breeds of show horses.  The USDA has clarified recently that the HPA applies to all breeds and is forcing those other breed shows to report the shows to USDA as well as report all violations found at the shows.

Every single state agriculture department as well as most every other breed of show horse has requested that USDA withdraw the entirety of the rule, even the portion that was not vacated by the Texas court which would turn all enforcement over to USDA.  The USDA will be forced to address that portion of the rule prior to April 2nd when it is set to become effective.