Legis Daily

Offshore Parity Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8542| House 
| Updated: 5/29/2026
Mike Ezell

Mike Ezell

Republican Representative

Mississippi

Cosponsors (3)
Clay Higgins (Republican)Shomari Figures (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)

Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The Offshore Parity Act of 2026 seeks to provide equity to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama by expanding their seaward boundaries in the Gulf of America. This expansion extends the states' jurisdiction from 3 geographical miles to 3 marine leagues for the management of certain submerged lands. The bill's primary purposes are to delegate authority for oil, gas, and other energy activities, and to improve fisheries management within these newly defined state waters, provided states meet specific conditions within five years of enactment. The legislation amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, allowing the Secretary of the Interior to delegate management of oil, gas, and energy leases in the expanded submerged lands to the states. States must demonstrate adequate resources and effective administration of federal rules, and they will be able to collect revenues from new leases. Additionally, the bill modifies the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to extend state fisheries management jurisdiction to these 3-marine-league boundaries. Importantly, federal authority over highly migratory species, threatened or endangered species, and national security matters remains preserved.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-10183
Offshore Parity Act of 2024
Apr 28, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 28, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
May 29, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-10183
    Offshore Parity Act of 2024


  • April 28, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 28, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • May 29, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Offshore Parity Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-8542| House 
| Updated: 5/29/2026
The Offshore Parity Act of 2026 seeks to provide equity to Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama by expanding their seaward boundaries in the Gulf of America. This expansion extends the states' jurisdiction from 3 geographical miles to 3 marine leagues for the management of certain submerged lands. The bill's primary purposes are to delegate authority for oil, gas, and other energy activities, and to improve fisheries management within these newly defined state waters, provided states meet specific conditions within five years of enactment. The legislation amends the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, allowing the Secretary of the Interior to delegate management of oil, gas, and energy leases in the expanded submerged lands to the states. States must demonstrate adequate resources and effective administration of federal rules, and they will be able to collect revenues from new leases. Additionally, the bill modifies the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to extend state fisheries management jurisdiction to these 3-marine-league boundaries. Importantly, federal authority over highly migratory species, threatened or endangered species, and national security matters remains preserved.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-10183
Offshore Parity Act of 2024
Apr 28, 2026
Introduced in House
Apr 28, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
May 29, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-10183
    Offshore Parity Act of 2024


  • April 28, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • April 28, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • May 29, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Mike Ezell

Mike Ezell

Republican Representative

Mississippi

Cosponsors (3)
Clay Higgins (Republican)Shomari Figures (Democratic)Troy A. Carter (Democratic)

Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee, Natural Resources Committee

Public Lands and Natural Resources

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted