AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jul 23, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 16, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- NOAA must publish geospatial data on a public website identifying locations and conditions where recreational activities are restricted in federal waterways, including the exclusive economic zone (EEZ, generally 3–200 miles from U.S. coastline).
- The website must show fishing restriction locations, areas with recreational vessel restrictions in the EEZ, and federally protected areas such as National Marine Sanctuaries.
- NOAA must consult with state and local governments, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations to develop standards for coordinating and sharing geospatial data on fishing restrictions and vessel use.
- NOAA has four years from enactment to provide the geographic information system data on the public website.
- NOAA must coordinate with other federal agencies to ensure databases on EEZ recreational use are compatible and interoperable.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill establishes a deadline and mandate but does not specify funding levels, staffing, or penalties for non-compliance.
- NOAA may partner with nonfederal entities to carry out the requirement, but the bill does not guarantee resource availability or timeline certainty.
- Specific documented winners, losers, costs, or implementation challenges are not established in the official summary.
- The bill directs NOAA to continue providing digitized navigation information for the EEZ 'to the extent practicable,' which leaves discretion in scope unspecified.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Senate passed the bill with amendment by unanimous consent on September 10, 2025.
- House passed the bill by voice vote under suspension of rules on September 14, 2026.
- Motion to reconsider was laid on the table on September 14, 2026.
- No further legislative action is documented in the provided record.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Sep 14, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
- Sep 14, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 759.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules.
- Sep 14, 2026 — Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- Sep 11, 2025 — Held at the desk.
- Sep 11, 2025 — Received in the House.