WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

S. 759 · 119th Congress · Public Law 119-116

Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

Became lawTransportation and Public Works
IntroducedFeb 26, 2025
Passed SenateSep 10, 2025
Passed HouseSep 14, 2026
To PresidentSep 22, 2026
Became lawSep 25, 2026

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

S. 759 doesn't change any existing section of law. It created 5 new provisions of its own. Read from the bill text in its final form, as sent to the President.

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Definitions
  • Sec. 3 Data standardization
  • Sec. 4 Data publication and accessibility
  • Sec. 5 Cooperation and coordination
  • Sec. 6 Rule of construction
What the words changed: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what was struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

    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.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Public Law, Sep 25, 2026).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. 2026-09-25Became Public Law No: 119-116.Library of Congress
    2. 2026-09-25Became Public Law No: 119-116.Library of Congress
    3. 2026-09-25Signed by President.Library of Congress
    4. 2026-09-25Signed by President.Library of Congress
    5. 2026-09-22Presented to President.House floor actions
    6. 2026-09-22Presented to President.Library of Congress
    7. 2026-09-14Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    8. 2026-09-14On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559)House floor actions
    9. 2026-09-14Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5559)Library of Congress
    10. 2026-09-14DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 759.House floor actions
    11. 2026-09-14Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5559-5560)House floor actions
    12. 2026-09-14Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.House floor actions
    13. 2025-09-11Held at the desk.House floor actions
    14. 2025-09-11Received in the House.House floor actions
    15. 2025-09-11Message on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
    16. 2025-09-10Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6556; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6556)Senate
    17. 2025-09-10Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.Library of Congress
    18. 2025-07-16Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 117.Senate
    19. 2025-07-16Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-40.Senate
    20. 2025-07-16Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-40.Library of Congress
    21. 2025-03-12Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.Senate
    22. 2025-02-26Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Senate
    23. 2025-02-26Introduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    After it became law

    Sourced

    Nothing in the Federal Register names Public Law 119-116 yet (checked Oct 27, 2026). Many laws need no new rules: they set penalties, name a building, or fund something directly.

    Cosponsors

    • Angus S. King, Jr. I-ME