To allow States to require payment of State fees related to boating as a condition for issuance of a vessel number and to collect such fees in conjunction with other fees related to vessel numbering.
Impact
The bill amends Section 12307 of Title 46 of the United States Code, expanding the authority of state issuing bodies to include the collection of fees tied to issues like search and rescue operations, boating safety programs, and initiatives aimed at combating aquatic invasive species. Fees collected can only be used for activities that enhance recreational boating and improve safety for boaters, thereby potentially leading to improved navigation and environmental protection in state waterways.
Summary
House Bill 9636 seeks to empower states to require payment of state fees related to boating as a prerequisite for the issuance of vessel numbers. This legislative proposal allows states to not only collect these fees but also bundle them with other existing charges related to vessel numbering. Such a move is intended to streamline the process for boaters, making it more efficient by reducing the number of transactions required during the registration process.
Contention
While HB 9636 has generally received support as a measure to enhance state control and improve boating safety, it could also raise questions regarding the potential financial burden on boaters. Critics may argue that adding additional fees could deter recreational boating or create an extra layer of bureaucracy that complicates the registration process. Furthermore, there may be concerns about how states allocate the collected funds and whether they will be transparently used for their intended purposes.
To amend title 46, United States Code, with respect to grants for vessel concept development and infrastructure to build commercially viable specialty vessels for supporting energy transition initiatives, and for other purposes.
To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a program to support the research, development, demonstration, and deployment of zero-emission vessels and retrofit or replacement of existing vessels with zero-emission technologies and charging or fueling infrastructure, and for other purposes.
A bill to support the national defense and economic security of the United States by supporting vessels, ports, and shipyards of the United States and the U.S. maritime workforce.
To support the national defense and economic security of the United States by supporting vessels, ports, and shipyards of the United States and the U.S. maritime workforce.