S. 3985 allows states to charge and collect fees related to boating when they issue vessel numbers to boat owners. Specifically, states can now require payment of fees for search and rescue operations, boating safety programs, and efforts to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (like zebra mussels). States can collect these new boating fees at the same time they collect standard vessel numbering fees, making it more convenient for both boat owners and state agencies. The money collected must be used only for activities that directly benefit recreational boating, such as improving boater safety, maintaining boating access, or managing invasive species in waterways. The bill does not specify a funding amount or implementation timeline, leaving those decisions to individual states.
Take Action
Your position
Add a comment
to comment on this bill.
Annotate the text
Highlight any passage on the Summary or Full Text tab to attach a note. Annotations appear on the Annotations tab.