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Bill

HR 8550

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.

119th Congress Introduced by Becca Balint and 1 co-sponsor

Allows states to charge and collect boating-related fees when issuing vessel numbers, funding safety, access, and aquatic invasive species programs appointed to recreational boatin

Introduced in House
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 8550

Overview

  • Bill: HR 8550
  • Session: 119th Congress, 2nd session
  • Purpose: Allow States to require payment of state boating-related fees as a condition for issuing a vessel number, and authorize collecting those fees in conjunction with other vessel-numbering fees.
  • Introduced: April 28, 2026, by Rep. Kiggans (VA) with Reps. Moore (UT) and Balint (Co-sponsors)
  • Status: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Main purpose and intent

The bill would authorize state issuing authorities to require and collect state fees related to boating when issuing a vessel number. It explicitly permits these state fees to be collected alongside other fees that are part of the vessel-numbering process. The collected fees would be restricted in use to relevant recreational boating activities and related efforts.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amendments to 46 U.S.C. § 12307 (Section 12307 of title 46, United States Code) to:
    • Introduce a general provision allowing states to require payment of state boating-related fees as a condition for obtaining a vessel number.
    • Specify that the scope of related state fees may include:
    • Search and rescue operation fees
    • Boating safety measures
    • Efforts to address aquatic invasive species
    • Permit states to collect these state fees in conjunction with other vessel-numbering fees.
    • Clarify the use of collected fees:
    • Fees may only be used to fund activities directly related to improving recreational boating
    • Boater safety
    • Boater access
    • Use of waterways by recreational boaters
    • Aquatic invasive species management

Who would be affected

  • Primary: State issuing authorities responsible for vessel numbering (e.g., state departments of motor vehicles, wildlife/agriculture agencies, or other agencies designated to issue vessel numbers).
  • Recreational boaters and vessel owners:
    • Those seeking a vessel number would pay additional state boating-related fees collected at the same time as other vessel-numbering fees.
    • Fees are intended to fund programs related to safety, access, and environmental management.
  • Stakeholders in boating, safety, environmental management, and aquatic invasive species programs, who may benefit from dedicated funding.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative action:
    • Introduced in House on April 28, 2026.
    • Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration.
  • No specific implementation timeline or effective date is provided in the bill text as released; if enacted, states would apply the new authority to collect fees at the point of vessel-numbering issuance according to their own processes and timelines.

Potential implications

  • Potential increases in upfront costs to boaters at the time of vessel-numbering issuance, depending on state-level fee structures.
  • Creation of a dedicated funding stream for recreational boating programs, safety initiatives, waterway access, and aquatic invasive species efforts.
  • Variation among states in how these fees are calibrated (amounts, fee categories, and exact uses) given that states would administer these fees under local authorities.
  • Administrative considerations for states to ensure proper collection alongside existing vessel-numbering fees and compliance with any related federal or state reporting requirements.

Summary

HR 8550 seek to empower states to attach boating-related state fees to the issuance of vessel numbers, consolidating collection with existing numbering fees. Fees could cover search and rescue, safety measures, aquatic invasive species control, and related boater-focused activities, with restrictions ensuring funds are used for eligible programs. The bill would not impose new federal fees but would authorize state-level collection and earmarking of revenue for specified recreational boating purposes.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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