This bill modifies federal law to explicitly allow states to require boaters to pay state fees as a condition of receiving a vessel number. The fees states can collect include charges for search and rescue operations, boating safety programs, and efforts to control aquatic invasive species. States would be able to collect these new boating-related fees at the same time they collect other vessel numbering fees, making the process more efficient for both boaters and state agencies. The bill specifies that any fees collected must be used exclusively for activities that directly benefit recreational boating, such as improving boater safety, providing access to waterways, and managing invasive aquatic species. The legislation was introduced in September 2024 and would give states more funding flexibility to support boating infrastructure and safety programs.