Legis Daily

Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

USA119th CongressHR-3340| House 
| Updated: 2/23/2026
Russell Fry

Russell Fry

Republican Representative

South Carolina

Cosponsors (15)
Ed Case (Democratic)Laura Gillen (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Jimmy Panetta (Democratic)Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican)Dave Min (Democratic)Andrew R. Garbarino (Republican)Derek Tran (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Nancy Mace (Republican)John H. Rutherford (Republican)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)Mike Levin (Democratic)

Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish standards for the coordination and dissemination of geospatial data related to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways. This initiative specifically targets fishing restrictions and the use of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by recreational vessels, requiring consultation with stakeholders like State and local governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Within four years, the Secretary must publish this data on a publicly accessible website, including detailed information on fishing restrictions, areas open or closed to recreational activities (such as boating and diving), and restrictions on vessel types or propulsion within the EEZ. The website will also identify Federal marine protected areas, outlining authorized activities, and provide essential navigation, bathymetric, and depth chart information. Data accessibility is a key focus, requiring the information to be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, with mechanisms for user updates and public feedback. The Secretary is mandated to update certain data at least twice annually, with some information updated in real-time. The bill encourages broad cooperation with non-Federal entities, including States, Tribes, and the private sector, and mandates interagency coordination to ensure data compatibility. Importantly, it prohibits the disclosure of sensitive historical or commercial fishing information and clarifies that its provisions do not apply to Tribal waters or usual and accustomed fishing areas, nor do they modify existing laws or Tribal rights.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-7925
Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
May 13, 2025
Introduced in House
May 13, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Sep 11, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-759
Held at the desk.
Jan 22, 2026
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Jan 22, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Feb 23, 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 438.
Feb 23, 2026
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-512.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-7925
    Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act


  • May 13, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • May 13, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • September 11, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-759
    Held at the desk.


  • January 22, 2026
    Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.


  • January 22, 2026
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • February 23, 2026
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 438.


  • February 23, 2026
    Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-512.

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Related Bills

  • S 119-759: Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
Geography and mappingGovernment information and archivesHunting and fishingInternet, web applications, social mediaNavigation, waterways, harborsOutdoor recreation

Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

USA119th CongressHR-3340| House 
| Updated: 2/23/2026
This bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to establish standards for the coordination and dissemination of geospatial data related to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways. This initiative specifically targets fishing restrictions and the use of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) by recreational vessels, requiring consultation with stakeholders like State and local governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations. Within four years, the Secretary must publish this data on a publicly accessible website, including detailed information on fishing restrictions, areas open or closed to recreational activities (such as boating and diving), and restrictions on vessel types or propulsion within the EEZ. The website will also identify Federal marine protected areas, outlining authorized activities, and provide essential navigation, bathymetric, and depth chart information. Data accessibility is a key focus, requiring the information to be findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, with mechanisms for user updates and public feedback. The Secretary is mandated to update certain data at least twice annually, with some information updated in real-time. The bill encourages broad cooperation with non-Federal entities, including States, Tribes, and the private sector, and mandates interagency coordination to ensure data compatibility. Importantly, it prohibits the disclosure of sensitive historical or commercial fishing information and clarifies that its provisions do not apply to Tribal waters or usual and accustomed fishing areas, nor do they modify existing laws or Tribal rights.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-7925
Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
May 13, 2025
Introduced in House
May 13, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Sep 11, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-759
Held at the desk.
Jan 22, 2026
Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Jan 22, 2026
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Feb 23, 2026
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 438.
Feb 23, 2026
Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-512.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-7925
    Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act


  • May 13, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • May 13, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • September 11, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-759
    Held at the desk.


  • January 22, 2026
    Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.


  • January 22, 2026
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held


  • February 23, 2026
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 438.


  • February 23, 2026
    Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-512.
Russell Fry

Russell Fry

Republican Representative

South Carolina

Cosponsors (15)
Ed Case (Democratic)Laura Gillen (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)Eugene Simon Vindman (Democratic)Jimmy Panetta (Democratic)Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican)Dave Min (Democratic)Andrew R. Garbarino (Republican)Derek Tran (Democratic)Jill N. Tokuda (Democratic)Nancy Mace (Republican)John H. Rutherford (Republican)Sarah McBride (Democratic)Michael Lawler (Republican)Mike Levin (Democratic)

Natural Resources Committee

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Related Bills

  • S 119-759: Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Geography and mappingGovernment information and archivesHunting and fishingInternet, web applications, social mediaNavigation, waterways, harborsOutdoor recreation