Legislation recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Blake Moore (R-UT) would make clear that states have the ability to collect certain state boating fees after the U.S. Coast Guard blocked several states from collecting such fees.
The bipartisan State Boating Act, H.R. 9636, which Rep. Moore cosponsored on Sept. 17 alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH), would ensure that states can collect boating fees during the boat registration and certificate of numbering process, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Moore’s staff.
“In Utah and across the country, state fish and wildlife agencies work tirelessly to improve boater experience and safety,” Rep. Moore said. “In many cases, those activities are directly funded by state boating fees. By taking this funding stream away, 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.
“I’m glad to work with my colleagues Congressman Pappas and Congresswoman Kiggans to right this wrong and allow our states to access the funding they need to do their jobs,” said Rep. Moore.
Most boats owned and operated on the waters of the United States must have either a Certificate of Documentation (COD) or a Certificate of Number (CON) on board when operating. Many states, like Utah, have collected fees for decades alongside the COD or CON fees, enabling them to fund boating and environmental programs, like aquatic invasive species, lake restoration, boating safety, and search and rescue efforts. The Coast Guard recently blocked a number of states from doing so.
According to the congressman’s staff, U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.
The bipartisan legislation is supported by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the American Sailing Association, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and the Pacific Northwest Economic Region.