H.R.3858 - Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3858, the Sport Fish Restoration, Recreational Boating Safety, and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2025, amends the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. It extends appropriation divisions to 2031 and modifies funding for interstate fisheries commission activities. The bill also prioritizes boating infrastructure, including alternative fuel facilities, and adjusts tax rates for portable, electronically-aerated bait containers.
Expected Effects
The bill will extend existing programs related to sport fish restoration and boating safety for an additional five years. It will also broaden the scope of eligible boating infrastructure projects to include alternative fuel facilities. Finally, it will provide a tax reduction for manufacturers of certain bait containers.
Potential Benefits
- Continued funding for state sport fish restoration and recreational boating safety programs.
- Increased funding flexibility for interstate fisheries commissions.
- Support for the development of alternative marine fuel infrastructure.
- Potential reduction in costs for consumers purchasing electronically-aerated bait containers.
- Promotion of environmentally friendly boating practices through alternative fuel support.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased government spending if not offset by other budget adjustments.
- The tax reduction for bait containers could slightly reduce overall tax revenue, though the impact is likely minimal.
- The focus on recreational boating may not equally benefit all segments of the population.
- The definition of 'alternative marine fuels' could be subject to interpretation, potentially leading to unintended environmental consequences.
- Possible administrative burden associated with implementing the new boating infrastructure priorities.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) by promoting recreational activities and conservation efforts. Congress has the power to regulate commerce, which includes boating and fishing-related activities. The bill's provisions regarding taxation fall under Congress's power to lay and collect taxes (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).