Moore, Pappas, and Kiggans Introduce the Bipartisan State Boating Act
WASHINGTON – Congressman Blake Moore (UT-01), Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), and Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) introduced the bipartisan State Boating Act to ensure that states can collect boating fees during the boat registration and certificate of numbering process. These fees help fund programs to address aquatic invasive species, boating safety, search and rescue, and more. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Crapo (R-ID) and Risch (R-ID) have introduced a companion bill in the Senate.
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 which has enabled them to fund important boating and environmental programs, like aquatic invasive species, lake restoration, boating safety, and search and rescue efforts. Recently, the Coast Guard has blocked a number of states from collecting these boating fees alongside CON fees. The State Boating Act would make clear the ability of states to collect state boating fees alongside CON fees and registration.
“In Utah and across the country, state fish and wildlife agencies work tirelessly to improve boater experience and safety," said Congressman Moore. "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.”
“For decades in New Hampshire, fees collected during the boating registration process have allowed the continued success of critical programs like boating safety, search and rescue operations, and efforts to address invasive species, keeping our waters and Granite Staters safe,” said Congressman Pappas. “I’m pleased to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Representatives Kiggans and Moore that will cut the red tape for states to strengthen boating and water safety.”
“Virginia’s lakes, rivers, and coastal waterways are home to more than 250,000 registered motorboats,” said Congresswoman Kiggans. “In order for our local recreational boating industry to continue thriving, we need programs that address boating safety, search and rescue efforts, and invasive aquatic species. That’s why I joined Congressman Pappas in introducing the State Boating Act of 2024. This bipartisan bill will ensure states can support these critical programs by authorizing them to secure funding through the boat registration process. As a coastal Virginian, I’m proud to fight for commonsense policies that protect all of the incredible outdoor recreation activities the Commonwealth has to offer.”
"In Utah, we know firsthand how important it is for state fish and wildlife agencies to have the resources they need to prevent, detect, and respond to aquatic invasive species like quagga mussels," said Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Director Justin Shirley. "And this benefits not just that state, but also others that share those water bodies. I commend Congressman Moore (R-UT), Congressman Pappas (D-NH), and Congresswoman Kiggans (R-VA) for introducing the State Boating Act, which will ensure states can continue to fund their aquatic invasive species programs without jeopardizing the boating safety grants they receive from the federal government."
"For decades, states have used boating registration to collect fees that support vital programs to improve boating access, increase boater safety, and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems," said Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. "We thank Congressman Pappas (D-NH), Congresswoman Kiggans (R-VA), and Congressman Moore (R-UT) for the introduction of the bipartisan State Boating Act, which will allow states to continue to collect these fees as a condition of boating registration. This ability allows states to create one simple transaction process for their customers while ensuring programs receive the critical funding needed.”
This 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.
###