H.R. 3858: Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025, proposes several amendments to existing legislation related to fish restoration, boating safety, and wildlife conservation. Below are the main components of the bill:

1. Funding Adjustments

The bill updates the annual appropriations for the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act regarding funding periods. Key changes include:

• The appropriations previously set for 2026 are extended to 2031.
• Specific allocations for various programs are revised to reflect this extension.

2. Interstate Fisheries Commission Activities

The bill modifies the funding provisions for interstate fisheries commissions by:

• Removing the limit of $1,200,000, making each commission eligible for funding without a cap.
• Stipulating that each commission receives either $200,000 or 0.0375% of the total funding, whichever is greater.

3. Boating Infrastructure Priorities

Changes are made to the boating infrastructure section, focusing on the advancement of environmentally friendly practices. Highlights include:

• Amending regulations to support the construction and maintenance of alternative fuel facilities for non-trailerable recreational vessels.
• Defining alternative marine fuels and related infrastructure to promote sustainable boating practices.

4. Portable Bait Containers Tax Rate

The bill introduces a new tax rate for portable, electronically aerated bait containers, specifically:

• Establishing a reduced tax rate of 3% instead of the usual 10% for these types of bait containers.
• This change applies to sales made after the bill is enacted.

5. Definitions and Standards

The bill provides definitions for various terms included in the legislation, such as:

• Alternative marine fuels: Motor fuels made from sources like cooking oil waste and plant-based materials.
• Drop-in fuels: Finished gasoline meeting specified standards that include renewable content.
• Alternative marine fuel station: A facility for dispensing these alternative fuels into marine vessels.

Relevant Companies

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