US Federal Senate Bill SB3985

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/26
• Refer: 3/4/26

Caption

State Boating Act

Summary

SB 3985, the State Boating Act, would amend federal boating-numbering law to expressly allow states to require payment of certain state boating-related fees as a condition of issuing a vessel number. The bill also allows state issuing authorities to collect those state fees together with other fees already collected in connection with vessel numbering. The measure specifies that the state fees may include charges tied to search and rescue operations, boating safety measures, and efforts to address aquatic invasive species. It further limits the use of the collected fees to activities directly related to improving recreational boating, boater safety, boater access, use of waterways by recreational boaters, and aquatic invasive species mitigation.

Impact

The bill would amend section 12307 of title 46, United States Code, expanding state authority over vessel numbering by permitting states to condition issuance of a vessel number on payment of designated boating-related fees. It would also authorize states to bundle collection of those fees with other vessel-numbering fees and would restrict the use of the revenue to specified boating and waterway-related purposes. The practical effect is to give states a clearer federal basis for collecting and dedicating boating fees for safety, access, rescue, and invasive species programs.

Sentiment

Available context suggests generally supportive or at least noncontroversial treatment of the bill at introduction, as it was read twice and referred to committee without recorded opposition, amendments, or votes. The bill’s sponsors appear to frame it as a practical state-authority measure to support boating services and safety programs. No committee transcript or vote history is available indicating broader debate.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is the expansion of state authority to require additional fees as a condition of vessel-number issuance, which could be viewed by boaters or industry groups as increasing costs or administrative burden. Supporters are likely to emphasize that the fees are limited to boating-related purposes and can fund search and rescue, safety, access, and invasive species control. Because no hearings or votes are provided, there is no documented opposition in the available record, but the fee requirement and the scope of allowable uses are the likely issues if the bill is debated.