WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Mike Crapo of Idaho and Peter Welch of Vermont have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at allowing states to collect certain boating-related fees at the same time as vessel registration fees.

The proposal, known as the State Boating Act, would clarify that states can require payment of state boating fees as part of the vessel numbering and registration process. Supporters say the change would allow states to continue collecting fees in a single transaction rather than requiring separate payments.

According to the bill, states would be permitted to collect fees tied to boating-related programs—including search and rescue operations, boating safety measures, and aquatic invasive species mitigation—alongside other registration charges. The legislation also states that revenue collected under the provision must be used for activities related to recreational boating access, safety, and waterway management.

In recent years, the U.S. Coast Guard has taken the position that its regulations do not allow states to add additional charges to federal vessel numbering transactions. As a result, some states have been required to separate those fees into different transactions, which supporters of the bill say increases administrative costs and creates confusion for boat owners.

Idaho and other states have historically allowed boat owners to complete vessel registration and pay additional state-required fees at the same time. In Idaho, for example, boaters must purchase an invasive species fund sticker that helps fund programs designed to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in the state’s waterways.

If enacted, the State Boating Act would amend federal law to explicitly allow states to collect those fees alongside vessel numbering charges. The measure has been referred to the appropriate Senate committee for consideration.