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119-s-3985119th CongressWALLET

State Boating Act

Sponsored By: Senator Crapo, Mike [R-ID]

Introduced

Summary

Authorizes states to collect new boating-related fees when issuing vessel numbers. The bill would let state issuing authorities require and collect a state fee alongside existing vessel-numbering fees and limits spending to boating safety, boater access, recreational boating improvements, search and rescue, and aquatic invasive species mitigation.

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  • States: Gives state issuing authorities the explicit power to add and collect a state boating fee as a condition of issuing a vessel number and to collect it together with other fees under 46 U.S.C. §12307.
  • Boat owners: Could face an additional state fee when registering a vessel or getting a vessel number, because states can require payment as part of issuance.
  • Waterways and conservation: Fee revenues must be used only for activities that improve recreational boating, enhance boater safety and access, support search and rescue, or address aquatic invasive species.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New boating fees for vessel owners

If enacted, states would be able to require a state boating fee when issuing a vessel number. The fee would be allowed to cover search-and-rescue, boating safety, or aquatic invasive species work. States would collect this fee along with other vessel-numbering fees. States would have to use the money only for boating improvements, boater safety and access, recreational use of waterways, and invasive species mitigation.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Crapo, Mike [R-ID]

ID • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Welch, Peter [D-VT]

    VT • D

    Sponsored 3/4/2026

  • Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]

    ID • R

    Sponsored 3/10/2026

  • Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

    NH • D

    Sponsored 3/17/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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