# Summary of S. 5468: Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024
This comprehensive authorization bill provides funding and authority for Coast Guard operations, maritime safety, sexual assault prevention, and related federal maritime programs for fiscal years 2025-2026.
## Key Funding and Personnel
The bill authorizes approximately $11.3 billion for Coast Guard operations in FY 2025 and $11.9 billion in FY 2026, including active duty personnel increases. It establishes new positions including a Special Advisor to the Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian Affairs and a Director of the Coast Guard Investigative Service.
## Sexual Assault and Harassment Response
The bill significantly strengthens sexual misconduct protections through comprehensive policies on evidence retention, victim care, survivor transfers, and command accountability. It mandates annual reporting on sexual misconduct incidents, establishes safe-to-report protections for victims, requires Coast Guard participation in the Defense Sexual Assault Incident Database, and creates new special victim capabilities. The bill also addresses discharge characterization reviews for former members and establishes protocols for military protective orders.
## Coast Guard Academy Reforms
New requirements include electronic locking mechanisms in cadet dormitories, installation of wellness rooms, establishment of a student advisory board, a Board of Visitors oversight structure, and comprehensive behavioral health assessments. The bill also authorizes the Coast Guard Academy to allow concurrent jurisdiction with Connecticut law enforcement for crime investigations.
## Vessel Safety and Maritime Operations
The legislation addresses merchant mariner credentialing reform, including reduced training requirements and flexible credit systems for sea service. It establishes authority for safety zones in the exclusive economic zone, requires performance-driven examination schedules for foreign vessels, and mandates reporting on icebreaking operations in the Great Lakes. The bill also creates procedures for identifying and removing abandoned vessels.
## Personnel and Benefits
Provisions include expanded family leave policies for members and reservists, maternity uniform allowances, direct hire authority for medical professionals and behavioral health specialists, new housing acquisition flexibilities, and travel allowance reimbursement for members stationed in Alaska.
## Studies and Reports
The bill directs numerous Government Accountability Office studies on Coast Guard health care, training facilities, housing, behavioral health services, maritime missions capability, and other operational topics. It also requires comprehensive reporting on covered misconduct incidents and implementation of sexual assault prevention recommendations.
## Oil Spill Response