U.S. Reps. Jen Kiggans (R-VA) and Blake Moore (R-UT) introduced the State Boating Act on Tuesday to clarify states’ authority to collect and use boating-related vessel registration fees for search and rescue, boating safety and waterway protection.
The bill, H.R. 8550, would ensure states can continue funding programs that address aquatic invasive species and public safety.
Rep. Kiggans sponsored the bipartisan legislation, with Rep. Moore signing on as the lead original cosponsor alongside Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT).
“Virginia’s waterways, from the Chesapeake Bay to our inland rivers, are vital to our economy, our environment, and our way of life,” Rep. Kiggans said. “The State Boating Act ensures that states can continue to fund critical programs like search and rescue, boating safety, and waterway protection without unnecessary federal interference. This commonsense legislation provides certainty for states and helps keep our waterways safe, accessible, and well-maintained for everyone who depends on them.”
Rep. Moore noted that state fish and wildlife agencies work hard to improve boater safety.
“In many cases, those activities are directly funded by state boating fees. By taking away this funding stream, the federal government is hindering the important work these state agencies do to improve boater programs, conduct search and rescue operations, and protect waterways from invasive species,” the congressman said. “I’m glad to work with my colleagues to right this wrong and provide our states access to the funding they need to do their jobs.”
The measure has drawn endorsements from ConservAmerica, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, which praised the bill’s potential to support state efforts to protect fisheries and recreational access.