Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
Where it stands
- Introduced2/26/25
- Passed SenatePassed 9/10/25
- HousePassed 9/14/26
- PresidentSigned 9/25/26
- LawPublic Law 119-116
Passed the Senate with an amendment by unanimous consent on September 10, 2025. Passed the House by voice vote on September 14, 2026. Became Public Law 119-116 on September 25, 2026.
Passed by voice vote or unanimous consent — no individual positions were recorded.
Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
This act directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to standardize and publish geospatial data related to public recreational use of federal waterways (e.g., boating and fishing).
Under the act, NOAA must consult with relevant stakeholders (including state and local governments, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations) to develop and adopt standards for the coordination and dissemination of geospatial data relating to fishing restrictions and recreational vessels' use of federal waterways, including the exclusive economic zone of the United States (EEZ). (The EEZ generally includes waters between 3 and 200 miles seaward from the U.S. coastline.)
Within four years after the act is enacted, NOAA must provide geographic information system data on a public website that identifies and describes the locations where and conditions under which certain recreational activities are restricted in federal waterways. Specifically, the website must identify (1) locations where fishing restrictions are imposed, (2) areas in the EEZ with restrictions on specified recreational vessel types, and (3) federally protected areas (e.g., National Marine Sanctuaries). NOAA must also continue to provide digitized navigation information related to the EEZ and make the information available on the website to the extent practicable.
The act allows NOAA to coordinate and partner with nonfederal entities to carry out this act. It also directs NOAA to work with other federal agencies to ensure compatibility and interoperability among federal databases with respect to collecting and disseminating geospatial data related to the public outdoor recreational use of the EEZ.
1
2/26/25
What happens next
Became Public Law 119-116.
All actions (19)
- 2/26/25Introduced in Senate
- 2/26/25Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 3/12/25Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 7/16/25Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-40.
- 7/16/25Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 117.
- 9/10/25Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 9/10/25Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6556; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6556)
- 9/11/25Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 9/11/25Received in the House.
- 9/11/25Held at the desk.
- 9/14/26Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 9/14/26Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5559-5560)
- 9/14/26DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 759.
- 9/14/26Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559)
- 9/14/26On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559)
- 9/14/26Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 9/22/26Presented to President.
- 9/25/26Signed by President.
- 9/25/26Became Public Law No: 119-116.