Italy Senate passes controversial hunting reform bill

On 23 June 2026 the Italian Senate approved draft law 1552, a proposal championed by the centre‑right coalition (Fratelli d’Italia, Lega, Forza Italia, Noi moderati‑Udc) and drafted by Senator Lucio Malan. The bill seeks to rewrite the 1992 wildlife protection law, redefining hunters as "guardians of the environment" and removing limits on hunting seasons, expanding the list of game species, opening state forests and coastal areas to shooting, allowing foreign hunters, and reducing the weight of scientific advice.

Environmental organisations, the WWF and scientific bodies warn the measures could intensify pressure on vulnerable fauna, threaten ecosystem balance, and increase demands on public wildlife‑protection services. Critics also note potential negative impacts on occupational health and safety for those working in wildlife management, citing existing regulations such as Legislative Decree 81/2008. The proposal now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for debate.