S. 759 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-116
Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
6 sections in the law, all of them in the bill as introduced.
Signed September 25, 2026 · Introduced February 26, 2025 in the Senate
Sponsor: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) · 1 cosponsor (1 I)
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X-ray · every section, in order
- Sec. 1 Short title, in the bill as introduced
- Sec. 2 Definitions, in the bill as introduced
- Sec. 3 Data standardization, in the bill as introduced
- Sec. 4 Data publication and accessibility, in the bill as introduced
- Sec. 5 Cooperation and coordination, in the bill as introduced
- Sec. 6 Rule of construction, in the bill as introduced
The yardstick
What the law says it does
A check compares every section with these texts, and nothing else.
Official title
To provide for the standardization, publication, and accessibility of data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways, and for other purposes.
Official summary (Congressional Research Service) · as public law
This act directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to standardize and publish geospatial data related to public recreational use of federal waterways (e.g., boating and fishing).
Under the act, NOAA must consult with relevant stakeholders (including state and local governments, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations) to develop and adopt standards for the coordination and dissemination of geospatial data relating to fishing restrictions and recreational vessels' use of federal waterways, including the exclusive economic zone of the United States (EEZ). (The EEZ generally includes waters between 3 and 200 miles seaward from the U.S. coastline.)
Within four years after the act is enacted, NOAA must provide geographic information system data on a public website that identifies and describes the locations where and conditions under which certain recreational activities are restricted in federal waterways. Specifically, the website must identify (1) locations where fishing restrictions are imposed, (2) areas in the EEZ with restrictions on specified recreational vessel types, and (3) federally protected areas (e.g., National Marine Sanctuaries). NOAA must also continue to provide digitized navigation information related to the EEZ and make the information available on the website to the extent practicable.
The act allows NOAA to coordinate and partner with nonfederal entities to carry out this act. It also directs NOAA to work with other federal agencies to ensure compatibility and interoperability among federal databases with respect to collecting and disseminating geospatial data related to the public outdoor recreational use of the EEZ.
How it became law
- IntroducedFeb 26
- CommitteeMar 12
- HouseSep 14
- SenateSep 10
- SignedSep 25
As introduced: To provide for the standardization, publication, and accessibility of data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways, and for other purposes.
Key steps, cosponsors and text changes (13)
Sponsor
Original cosponsors
SenateIntroduced in Senate
- Text: Introduced in Senate
6 sections
SenateCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Text: Reported to Senate
0 sections: 6 removed
SenatePassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6556; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6556)
- Text: Engrossed in Senate
6 sections
HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559)
HousePresented to President.
- Text: Enrolled Bill
6 sections, no changes
Became Public Law No: 119-116.
Signed by President.
Show every recorded step (20)
Sponsor
Original cosponsors
SenateRead twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
SenateIntroduced in Senate
- Text: Introduced in Senate
6 sections
SenateCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
SenatePlaced on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 117.
SenateCommittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-40.
- Text: Reported to Senate
0 sections: 6 removed
SenatePassed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6556; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6556)
- Text: Engrossed in Senate
6 sections
HouseReceived in the House.
HouseOn motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559)
HouseDEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 759.
HouseConsidered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5559-5560)
HouseMr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
HousePresented to President.
- Text: Enrolled Bill
6 sections, no changes
Became Public Law No: 119-116.
Signed by President.
Source: GovInfo bill status and text versions. 1 cosponsors.
Every section
All 6 sections, in order
From the enrolled bill text on GovInfo. Read any section in full on Congress.gov.
- Sec. 1Short title
- Sec. 2Definitions
- Sec. 3Data standardization
- Sec. 4Data publication and accessibility
- Sec. 5Cooperation and coordination
- Sec. 6Rule of construction
Sponsor and cosponsors
Show all 2 members, by last name
Sponsor: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)
- Sen. Angus King (I-ME)
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Sources: bill text and status, GovInfo (Enrolled Bill) · Official summary, Congressional Research Service · Congress.gov, as of November 1, 2026. US government works are in the public domain · This bill on Congress.gov (opens in new tab)