WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Reps. Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Blake Moore (UT-01) introduced the State Boating Act, a bill to clarify a state’s authority to collect boating-related vessel registration fees to support search and rescue, boating safety, and protection of waterways. This bill safeguards states’ ability to collect and use these funds for aquatic invasive species prevention and public safety programs, while providing much-needed certainty for state agencies and the communities they serve.

Congresswoman Kiggans said, “Virginia’s waterways, from the Chesapeake Bay to our inland rivers, are vital to our economy, our environment, and our way of life. The State Boating Act ensures that states can continue to fund critical programs like search and rescue, boating safety, and waterway protection without unnecessary federal interference. This commonsense legislation provides certainty for states and helps keep our waterways safe, accessible, and well-maintained for everyone who depends on them.”

“In Utah and across the country, state fish and wildlife agencies work tirelessly to improve boater experience and safety,” Rep. Moore said. “In many cases, those activities are directly funded by state boating fees. By taking away this funding stream, 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 to right this wrong and provide our states access to the funding they need to do their jobs.”

“ConservAmerica supports the State Boating Act and appreciates Congresswoman Kiggans’ leadership on this commonsense legislation. By empowering state fish and wildlife agencies to address aquatic invasive species, strengthen boating safety, and keep our waterways accessible for recreation, this bill helps protect America’s natural resources while supporting outdoor traditions and local economies.” Jason Solomon, head of government affairs, ConservAmerica

“The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) fully endorses Representative Kiggans’ and Representative Moore’s State Boating Act. Aquatic invasive species, such as blue catfish in the Chesapeake Bay, act as some of the biggest roadblocks to our rebuilding of important fisheries. This bill would streamline the pathway for states to collect additional resources to address predation and habitat loss from aquatic invasive species, and support programs to keep fishery participants safe. This bill would help ensure the long-term sustainability of iconic fisheries for generations to come.”

“State fish and wildlife agencies are committed to delivering high quality angling and boating opportunities,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “To do that, many agencies support boater safety, expand boating access, and address aquatic invasive species through targeted programs. By safeguarding the authority of states to collect critical funding during registration, the State Boating Act maintains both program revenue and a seamless user experience. We thank Representative Kiggans for working to reduce administrative barriers so states can offer better boating and fishing opportunities and remain eligible for vital recreational boating safety grants.”

This bill is endorsed by ConservAmerica, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies,

Read the one pager here.

Read the bill text here.