Bill Summary
The "Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2026" seeks to amend the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act to enhance funding and support for sport fish restoration and recreational boating safety initiatives. Key provisions include extending the authorization period for annual appropriations from 2026 to 2031, thereby allowing for continued federal funding during that time. Additionally, the legislation modifies the Multistate Conservation Grant Program, changing the funding cap to ensure that each state receives a minimum of either 0.0375 percent of the total appropriation or $200,000, thereby increasing financial support for conservation projects across multiple states. Overall, the act aims to strengthen efforts in wildlife restoration and promote safe recreational boating activities.
Possible Impacts
The legislation outlined in the "Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2026" can affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Increased Funding for Conservation Initiatives**: By reauthorizing the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act and making changes to the Multistate Conservation Grant Program, the legislation may lead to increased funding for fish restoration and conservation projects. This could benefit anglers, conservationists, and recreational boaters by improving fish populations and habitats, thereby enhancing the fishing experience and promoting sustainable practices.
2. **Improved Boating Safety Regulations**: The focus on recreational boating safety in the legislation could lead to enhanced safety measures and regulations for boating. This might include better education programs for boaters, improved safety equipment requirements, and increased law enforcement on waterways. As a result, recreational boaters would likely experience a safer environment when engaging in their activities, potentially reducing accidents and fatalities.
3. **Economic Benefits through Recreational Activities**: The support for sport fish restoration and recreational boating can have positive economic implications for communities that rely on tourism and recreational activities. Increased fishing and boating opportunities can attract visitors to local lakes and rivers, benefiting local businesses such as bait shops, marinas, and restaurants. This economic boost could lead to job creation and improved livelihoods for those living in areas adjacent to popular fishing and boating locations.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 4250 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 4250
To amend the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act with respect to
sport fish restoration and recreational boating safety, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 26, 2026
Mr. Sullivan (for himself, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. Wicker, Mr. Peters, Mr.
Sheehy, Ms. Rosen, Mrs. Blackburn, and Ms. Klobuchar) introduced the
following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act with respect to
sport fish restoration and recreational boating safety, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational
Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2026''.
SEC. 2. REAUTHORIZATION OF DINGELL-JOHNSON SPORT FISH RESTORATION ACT.
(a) Division of Annual Appropriations.--Section 4 of the Dingell-
Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777c) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph
(1), by striking ``2026'' and inserting ``2031''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(A), in the first sentence, by
striking ``2026'' and inserting ``2031''; and
(B) in paragraph (2)(A), in the first sentence, by
striking ``2026'' and inserting ``2031''.
(b) Multistate Conservation Grant Program.--Section 14(e) of the
Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 777m(e)) is
amended--
(1) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking
``Not more than $1,200,000 of each'' and inserting ``Each'';
and
(2) in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph
(A), by striking ``$200,000'' and inserting ``The greater of
0.0375 percent of such appropriation or $200,000''.
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