S.759 - Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.759, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, aims to standardize, publish, and improve the accessibility of data related to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways and Federal fishing restriction areas. The bill mandates the Secretary of Commerce to develop data standards and make geographic information system (GIS) data publicly available on a website. This includes information on waterway restrictions, fishing restriction areas, navigation, and bathymetric data.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely result in increased transparency and ease of access to information regarding the use of Federal waterways for recreational purposes. This will help boaters, anglers, and other recreational users to better plan their activities and comply with applicable regulations. The standardization of data will also improve interoperability among different federal and state agencies.
Potential Benefits
- Improved access to information for recreational users of Federal waterways.
- Enhanced transparency regarding waterway restrictions and fishing regulations.
- Better coordination among federal and state agencies in managing waterways.
- Potential for increased tourism and recreational activity due to easier planning.
- Public input on data accuracy and accessibility.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with developing and maintaining the required data systems and website.
- Possible delays in implementation due to the 31-month and 4-year deadlines.
- Risk of non-compliance by agencies if funding is insufficient.
- Concerns about the accuracy and timeliness of the data provided.
- Potential for privacy concerns if data collection is not carefully managed.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3) of the U.S. Constitution, as it regulates navigable waterways, which are instruments of interstate commerce. Additionally, the Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. The emphasis on public access to information also aligns with principles of government transparency and accountability.
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).