Representatives Blake Moore and Jen Kiggans introduced the State Boating Act on May 5, a bill designed to clarify states’ authority to collect vessel registration fees for funding search and rescue, boating safety, and waterway protection programs.
The legislation aims to ensure that states can continue supporting public safety initiatives and aquatic invasive species prevention efforts without federal interference. This measure provides certainty for state agencies responsible for maintaining safe and accessible waterways.
“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.”
“Virginia’s waterways, from the Chesapeake Bay to our inland rivers, are vital to our economy, our environment, and our way of life,” Rep. Kiggans said. “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.”
Director Riley Peck of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources commented: “In Utah, we know firsthand how important it is for state fish and wildlife agencies to have the resources they need to prevent, detect, and respond to aquatic invasive species like quagga mussels. And this benefits not just that state but also others that share those water bodies. I commend Utah Congressman Moore, Congresswoman Kiggans (R-VA), and Congresswoman Balint (D-VT) for introducing the State Boating Act (H.R.8550), which will ensure states can continue to fund their aquatic invasive species programs via the boat registration process without jeopardizing the boating safety grants they receive from the federal government.” Jason Solomon of ConservAmerica added: “By empowering state fish and wildlife agencies … this bill helps protect America’s natural resources while supporting outdoor traditions …” Paul Johansen of West Virginia’s Division of Natural Resources said: “By safeguarding the authority of states …the State Boating Act maintains both program revenue … We thank Representative Kiggans for working to reduce administrative barriers so states can offer better boating opportunities…”
Blake Moore has served in Congress representing Utah’s 1st District since 2021; he was born in Ogden in 1980 before graduating from University of Utah in 2005 with a BA degree according to Biographical Directory of U.S Congress.
The bill has received endorsements from ConservAmerica as well as key fisheries organizations.
