119th Congress
S. 759
Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became law
- Sponsor
- Ted Cruz(R-TX)
- Introduced
- Feb 26, 2025
- Policy area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Committees
- Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Official text
- Engrossed in Senate · Congress.gov page
Cosponsors (1)
Original cosponsors (1)
- Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME)
Summary
Summary by the Congressional Research Service· describes the “Public Law” version
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.
Roll-call votes
No recorded votes on this bill.
Actions
- Sep 25, 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-116. - Sep 25, 2026
Signed by President. - Sep 22, 2026 · House
Presented to President. - Sep 14, 2026 · House
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection. - Sep 14, 2026 · House
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559) - Sep 14, 2026 · House
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 759. - Sep 14, 2026 · House
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5559-5560) - Sep 14, 2026 · House
Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. - Sep 11, 2025 · House
Held at the desk. - Sep 11, 2025 · House
Received in the House. - Sep 11, 2025 · Senate
Message on Senate action sent to the House. - Sep 10, 2025 · Senate
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6556; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6556) - Sep 10, 2025
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. - Jul 16, 2025 · Senate
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 117. - Jul 16, 2025 · Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-40. - Mar 12, 2025 · Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. - Feb 26, 2025 · Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. - Feb 26, 2025
Introduced in Senate